It's been a good few days for Boston Buckberger.
After winning the NCAA championship with the University of Denver on Saturday, the defenceman signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.
Buckberger, 22, recorded 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) and was a plus-32 across 43 appearances in his junior campaign with Denver in 2025-26.
He assisted on the game-winning goal that led Denver to a 2-1 win over the University of Wisconsin in the 2026 Frozen Four final.
A native of Saskatoon, Sask., Buckberger was undrafted to the NHL. His contract with the Blue Jackets is set to begin in the 2026-27 season.
“Boston Buckberger is a smart, skilled defenceman who can play in all situations and has a championship pedigree,” said Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell in a statement. “He was among the top scoring defencemen in college hockey this year and a big part of Denver’s championship team. We are very excited that he is now part of the Blue Jackets organization.”
1:38
clb