The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed University of Michigan defenceman Nick Blankenburg to a one-year, entry-level contract for the remainder of the season, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced Friday.
The Blue Jackets expect Blankenburg, 23, to join the team on Monday.
As captain this season, Blankenburg set career highs with 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points in 38 games. His play helped the Wolverines win the Big Ten Tournament championship and earn a spot in the Frozen Four.
"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," Kekalainen said in a story on the Blue Jackets website. "He is a talented, smart, really competitive player with great leadership qualities and we are thrilled to welcome him to our organization."
A native of Washington, Mich., Blankenburg finished his college career with 25 goals and 43 assists for 68 points in 133 games. Before heading to Michigan, he played a season for the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he had 16 goals and 26 assists for 42 points in 57 games.
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