COLUMBUS, Ohio — Following the 2024-25 season, Blue Jackets general manager and president Don Waddell sent a clear message to big Russian forward Dmitri Voronkov.

“We had a big meeting at the end of the season,” Waddell told Aaron Portzline of The Athletic in June . “We didn’t give him a target (weight), but a challenge that he’s not going to play (next season) until he’s in shape.”

There’s reason for Waddell to want more out of Voronkov heading into his third season with the Blue Jackets.

Voronkov, who signed a two-year extension worth $4.175 million AAV later in the offseason, is the kind of player who can potentially tip playoff series because of his build at 6-5, 234 pounds.

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