Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Billy Sweezey to a two-year, two-way contract. It will begin during the 2022-23 campaign. 

Sweezey has played this season with the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. In 45 games with the team, he has four goals, six assists, and 68 penalty minutes. As one can tell, the 6-foot-2 defenseman plays a heavy game. However, he is also finding ways to contribute to the scoresheet in the process.

Sweezey went undrafted and spent four seasons with Yale University. After completing his senior year during the 2019-20 campaign, he signed an AHL contract with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the following year. In 22 games with them, he had four assists and 26 penalty minutes.  This season, he has taken a step forward in his development and looks more comfortable at the AHL level.

Sweezey went through a long journey to land this NHL contract. Now, the 26-year-old will be aiming to get into his first action with the Blue Jackets as soon as next season. Time will tell what happens on that front, but he certainly deserves praise for making it this far.

Photo Credit: © David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports