Between now and the start of camp we will finish our Top 25 Under 25 countdown. Thanks to the 74 readers who submitted ballots in this year’s ranking of Columbus Blue Jackets players and prospects under the age of 25.
#9 Dmitri Voronkov
Voting
9th out of 42 eligible players
Writer Rank: 8th
Reader Rank: 8th
Highest Placement: 2nd (2 votes)
Most Common Placement: 9th (15 votes)
2023 Rank: 13th (+4)
Biography
Birthdate: September 10, 2000
Birthplace: Angarsk, Russia
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 240 lbs
Position: LW
Shoots: Left
Acquired: Drafted in the 4th round (114th overall) in 2019
2023-24 Season
Voronkov’s rookie season was a pleasant surprise to many. We got what we expected as a high-energy, physical hockey player, but his skill and vision caught many off guard. In 75 games, he recorded 18 goals and 16 assists and looked like a legitimate third-line forward. At the center position, he needs to improve defensively and at the faceoff dot, but that’s okay.
There were rumors that Voronkov was homesick and was considering returning to Russia, but that never materialized. For fans, that meant we got to see the personality Voronkov brings to the team. Like Marchenko, he is a fun-loving individual who was often filmed smiling and bear-hugging teammates. It’s hard not to love the big Russian, and I suspect he will grow to be a fan favorite.
2024-25 Outlook
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Voronkov weigh less than 240 lbs at the beginning of camp. The Blue Jackets likely want him to slim down to try and improve his speed, though I don’t think he looked slow last season. What they will want him to continue to do is throw around his big frame on the ice. It was comical to see him push people off the puck with ease last season, and hopefully, we will see much more of that.
With Monahan, Fantilli, Sillinger, Jenner, and Voronkov, it will be interesting to see who Evason lines up at center to start the season. It wouldn’t be shocking if Voronkov ends up on the wing for most of his career, but I hope he at least gets a shot at playing center again. Large centers don’t grow on trees, and the Blue Jackets would be better for trying to mold him into one. He’s also a decent play driver, something that doesn’t come naturally to every hockey player.
As with many of the young guys who currently have an NHL roster spot, hopefully, 2024-25 will be the season we see many of them, Voronkov included, take a big step forward.