Promising young forward on the verge of leaving eastern conference team

Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen confirmed a report from Russian sources that stated rookie forward Dmitri Voronkov has considered returning to Russia because he is homesick.

Voronkov, 23, was selected in the fourth round by Columbus in 2019 and quickly became one of the top prospects in their system with his strong, physical play in the KHL. He also caught the attention of the Russian Hockey Federation and represented them at the 2022 Winter Olympics in China.

In 15 games with the Blue Jackets, the Angarsk native has recorded nine points (three goals, six assists), 17 penalty minutes and has an even-rating.

For now, Voronkov will remain with the Blue Jackets and a decision on whether or not he'll return to Russia will be made in the near future.