Another Wolverine is joining the Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets announced Friday that the signing of Nick Blankenburg, a defenseman who served as captain for the Michigan Wolverines this past season.
Blankenburg signed a one-year entry level contract that runs through the balance of the 2021-22 NHL season. He is expected to join the Blue Jackets for practice on Monday and could make his NHL debut later in the week.
"We watched Michigan a lot this season and each time came away more and more impressed by Nick and the way he plays the game," Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He is a talented, smart, really competitive player with great leadership qualities and we are thrilled to welcome him to our organization."
Blankenburg, 23, set career highs in goals, assists, points and power play goals with 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points, along with 22 penalty minutes, six PPG and a +17 plus/minus rating in 38 outings. He tied for second among all NCAA defensemen in goals and power play goals and 15th-T in points as he helped Michigan win the Big Ten Tournament championship and earn a spot in the Frozen Four.
Michigan's season came to a premature end with a semifinal loss to Denver this week. Kent Johnson, the Blue Jackets' top pick in 2021 and Blankenburg's Michigan teammate, signed his first pro contract with Columbus on Friday.
