Blue Jackets Sign Michigan Wolverines Captain

On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have signed defenseman and Michigan Wolverines' captain Nick Blackenberg to a one-year entry-level contract. The 23-year old signed a day after Michigan lost in the Frozen Four 3-2 in overtime to Denver.

Get loud for @umichhockey captain @nblanks98 joining the #CBJ! https://t.co/cBPCjKt0mb
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 8, 2022

Blackenburg finished his final year with the Wolverines scoring 14 goals and 29 points in 38 games. Six of his 14 goals were on the powerplay, and he also finished the season a +17 rating. His six PPG and 14 goals had him tied for second among all defensemen in that category. Blackenburg had career highs in goals, assists (15) and points.

His performances as captain, helped the Wolverines capture the Big 10 Tournament Championship, en route to a birth in the Frozen Four tournament where they lost in the semi-finals.

The Michigan native played all four years of eligibility with the Wolverines, where he put up a total of 25 goals and 68 points in 133 NCAA games. He also had a career +50 rating at Michigan.

Prior to playing in the NCAA, Blackenburg played a year in AJHL with the Okotoks Oilers where he scored 16 goals and 42 points during the 2017-18 season.

Blackenburg is expected to join the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Monday.

He is also the second Wolverine to sign a pro contract with the Blue Jackets as his teammate Kent Johnson who also signed earlier today.