Quick word association game. When I say “Columbus Blue Jackets,” what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Some popular answers include Johnny Gaudreau, Zach Werenski and head coach Dean Evason. Some go further and say players like Sean Monahan or Kirill Marchenko. Maybe I’m thinking about the goalkeepers. There’s no shortage of immediate answers for fans to think about.
Here’s another question. How far down the list would someone go until they answered Dmitri Voronkov? Considering the way the 2025-2026 season has started for the Blue Jackets’ “Big Boss,” his name should come up a lot sooner than many realize.
Hot start
Voronkov is off to a good start in 2025-2026. Participate in the Halloween Week Games, he leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with five goals and nine points in eight games. He is one point ahead of his linemate and compatriot Marchenko.
Voronkov’s performance Saturday night in Pittsburgh helped the Blue Jackets secure two important points in the standings. He scored two goals that ultimately helped his team go to overtime before his teammates could no longer be stopped in the shootout.
Voronkov was named the starting star in the Blue Jackets’ 5–4 victory over the Penguins. It’s the way he scores his goals that stands out.
Voronkov’s first goal on Saturday came from a line change. Kent Johnson managed to win a puck battle behind the Penguins net. He then passed the puck to a streaking Voronkov, who fired a shot past Arturs Silovs. It was an important goal in the match, as it made it 2-2 going into the break.
After Yegor Chinakhov scored his first goal of the season to give the Blue Jackets the lead, Voronkov was at it again. This time it was from a more traditional spot on the ice for him.
Voronkov made a pass in the neutral zone to Marchenko and then took off towards the Penguins zone. Suddenly, Sean Monahan had parked the puck with Voronkov in front of Silovs. Monahan threw the puck in Voronkov’s direction and he was able to direct it past Silovs for a 4-2 lead.
Voronkov’s first goal showed the impact of his skills. His second goal showed the impact of his awareness and size. That combination makes him a force to be reckoned with.
A silent leader
Voronkov still doesn’t speak English very well, but he is definitely improving. When he does speak to the media, it is through a translator.
On Saturday night in Pittsburgh, Chinakhov played the role of translator for a smiling Voronkov. When asked about his team’s ability to come back from two late goals and still win the match, Voronkov had a short and simple message.
“Nothing changes when you play a hockey game,” Voronkov said.
Voronkov’s numbers could be even higher if it weren’t for a number of canceled goals at the start of this season. It shows he’s putting himself in a position to score and make an impact.
It was decided that one would be targeted at Voronkov’s chest. Another was judged to have had his skate kicked in. Still, he knew they wouldn’t count.
“We have a lot of chances, but we have to improve them,” Voronkov said via Chinakhov.
Voronkov may not say much when he speaks to the media. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have an impact in the locker room. You usually see him talking there while wearing a big smile on his face.
Voronkov even has a great sense of humor. He was asked if he has a football background, given the disallowed goal he scored.
“He will score the next goal through the head,” said a smiling Voronkov. That’s the kind of personality he brings to the Blue Jackets.
Coach Evason went one step further in his postgame Saturday night when he talked about Voronkov. Not only does he like the way Voronkov has started this season, he also likes the evolving leadership he brings.
“We like the way he moves,” Evason said. “He’s a big man, right? And it’s hard to get that big body going. But he’s done his work over the summer not only on his body, but also on his mind. And I’ve said this before and I don’t know if a lot of people believe me because I’ve said it to some people and there’s a good chance he’s a leader in our locker room. And you’ve talked to him. He doesn’t speak much English, but he speaks hockey very well and he speaks very good with the team. That, I think, has given him a lot of confidence to come in and play the way he’s playing now.”
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Voronkov was challenged to get physically ready in camp this offseason. He did that. The team believes in the kind of player he could become. That was evident when GM Don Waddell told the Islanders they would not include Voronkov in a potential deal for Noah Dobson.
Voronkov blooms at the beginning of the season. He brings a unique combination of size, skill, personality and leadership to the Blue Jackets locker room.
“Big Boss” is just getting started.
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