Blankenburg, 24, who originally signed a one-year entry level contract with the Blue Jackets on Apr. 8, 2022, made his NHL debut this past season. He posted one goal and two assists for three points with four penalty minutes and 13 shots in seven appearances, including collecting an assist in his first NHL contest on April 13 vs. Montreal. He tallied his first career goal (game-winner) and multi-point effort with 1-1-2 on April 24 vs. Edmonton.
"Nick is a hard-nosed, competitive, smart defenseman who really impressed us after his arrival late last season," said Kekalainen. "He has great potential, and we are very excited to watch his continued growth and development with our club."
The 5-9, 175-pound blueliner played four seasons at the University of Michigan, combining for 25-43-68, 62 PIM and a cumulative +50 plus/minus rating in 133 games from 2018-22. He was named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and earned conference All-Academic honors in each of his final three seasons. Serving as the Wolverines captain his senior year, he set career highs in goals, assists, points and power play goals with 14-15-29, along with 22 PIM, six PPG and a +17 plus/minus rating in 38 outings in 2021-22. He also tied for second among all NCAA defensemen in goals and power play goals and 15th-T in points as he helped the Wolverines win the Big Ten Tournament championship and earn a spot in the Frozen Four.
Prior to attending college, the Washington, Michigan native spent the 2017-18 season with the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and recorded 16-26-42 in 57 games to be named to the league's All-Rookie Team. Blankenburg represented the United States at the 2022 IIHF World Championships and played in four games before suffering a knee injury.
NICK BLANKENBURG STATS
