Dmitry Voronkov, a forward with the Russian national heritage, skated for the Columbus Blue Jackets in a tense NHL regular season matchup against the Montreal Canadiens when a physical exchange erupted between Voronkov and Arber Dzhekaj. The incident sparked in the first period, drawing a quick intervention from the referee and resulting in both players being sent to the penalty box for five minutes. This game marked Voronkov’s NHL debut, adding a high-stakes moment to his early pro career.
The second period kept the intensity high as Columbus pressed to widen the gap, with the scoreboard showing Columbus ahead 2:1 against Montreal. Behind the scenes, the Blue Jackets were balancing immediate results with long term development plans for a young roster that included Voronkov during this portion of the season.
On October 24, Voronkov received a call-up from the American Hockey League as an injury replacement for the team’s leader Patrik Laine. The move allowed him to join Cleveland, Columbus’ affiliate, and he produced four games there, contributing one assist before stepping back onto the NHL stage.
Selected by Columbus in the fourth round of the 2019 draft, Voronkov previously skated with Ak Bars from 2018 to 2023. He added to his resume by earning a silver medal with Russia at the Beijing Olympic Games, a highlight that underscored his role as part of a talented cohort of Russian players in North American professional hockey.
The Blue Jackets have featured several Russian players over the years, including goalie Daniil Tarasov and forwards Kirill Marchenko and Egor Chinakhov, all of whom contributed to the team’s evolving international identity.
Observers have noted that Alexander Ovechkin has publicly expressed admiration for Voronkov, describing him as a role model in the eyes of some fans and analysts who follow the sport closely. It is a reminder of how players from different generations and leagues stay connected through shared experiences, mentorships, and the ongoing dialogue about national pride within the game.