Columbus Blue Jackets sign Corson Ceulemans to entry-level contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed prospect Corson Ceulemans to a three-year entry-level contract.

Ceulemans, 19, is considered to be one of the best prospects in the Blue Jackets’ system. The 19-year-old was taken 25th overall by Columbus in 2021 after a strong, yet short season with the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits. He also helped Canada win gold at the U-18 World Championship as a key member of the team’s top four.

Ceulemans then went full-time with the University of Wisconsin and had 22 points in 34 games as a freshman. He recently finished his sophomore campaign with Wisconsin with eight goals and 23 points, good to lead the team in scoring by a defenseman.

Ceulemans is a two-way defenseman with good size and mobility. He should be able to be a top-four blueliner with the Blue Jackets once he gets into the lineup. The blueline has been barren this year since Zach Werenski went down with an early season injury and with the recent trade of Vladislav Gavrikov.

Still, the blueline is looking to be a strong suit for the team moving forward. David Jiricek has been one of the best defenders in the AHL, while Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have both thrived in the WHL. Aidan Hreschuk should also be a notable name once he graduates from the NCAA.