Blue Jackets prospect Dmitri Voronkov’s European Assignment Clause is a little different than most. While for most players who have one, it means that get sent back if they’re assigned to the minors, that’s not exactly the case for Voronkov. As Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports (subscription link), Voronkov’s clause is for him to return to Russia if he’s not with Columbus by the end of December. This gives the Blue Jackets a chance to stash the 23-year-old in the minors to start the season if they so desire to get him better acclimated to playing on the smaller North American rinks while also allowing him to play down the middle, an option he might not have if he breaks camp with the big club. Voronkov had 18 goals and 13 assists in 54 games with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL last season.
Other prospect news from around the NHL:
- Senators prospect Tyler Boucher was notably left off their prospect tournament roster. Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch relays that the winger tweaked his groin during fitness testing on Wednesday so they’re opting to be cautious and give him a few days to rest. He is expected to be ready for the start of main camp. The tenth pick in 2021, Boucher will be turning pro this season and should play a prominent role with AHL Belleville where he’ll be looking to make up for lost time after injuries limited him to just 21 games with OHL Ottawa last season.
- Stars blueliner Lian Bichsel tweaked his knee on Thursday against Toronto and is being shut down for their rookie tournament, notes team reporter Mike Heika. The 2022 first-rounder (18th overall) dealt with an ankle injury late last season but this knee issue isn’t related to the ankle one which he has since fully recovered from. Bichsel was a regular in the SHL last season, getting into 42 games with Leksands while logging a little under 12 minutes a night.