Columbus Blue Jackets sign Nate Schnarr to professional tryout contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets have inked forward Nate Schnarr to a professional tryout contract ahead of training camp for 2023-24.

Schnarr, 24, has spent his entire NHL career in the AHL since getting drafted 75th overall by Arizona in 2017. He had nine points in 48 games between Laval and Ontario last year, his fourth season in the AHL. Schnarr had a career 36 points in 63 regular season games during the 2021-22 season, with his 17 goals being the first time he reached the double-digit mark.

Before turning pro, the 6-foot-3 forward won an OHL championship with Guelph in 2019 while earning a spot on the league’s third all-star team.

Schnarr has had two NHL contracts in his career, signing his entry-level contract in 2018 before signing his first standard player deal with Montreal in 2022.

Schnarr is unlikely to make the Blue Jackets as a full-time player, but could still be a depth piece in the AHL. Schnarr is one of five players to sign PTOs this year, joining Nathan Beaulieu (Carolina), Alex Chiasson (Boston), Peter Holland (Colorado) and Brandon Sutter (Edmonton).