The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Corson Ceulemans to a one-year, two-way contract extension, keeping the 2021 first-round pick in the organization after his third full season with the AHL's Cleveland Monsters.
Pro Hockey Rumors reported the Blue Jackets announced the extension Saturday. The report, citing Aaron Portzline of The Athletic for the salary terms, said the deal carries an $850,000 NHL salary and a $95,000 AHL salary.
Columbus Keeps A Former First-Round Defenseman
Ceulemans is 23 and remains one of the Blue Jackets' more notable defensive prospects, though he has not yet made his NHL debut. The new contract keeps a right-shot defenseman in the system without requiring Columbus to commit a one-way roster spot.
The sourced report said Ceulemans played 64 AHL games last season, a career high, and posted 24 points for Cleveland. Those numbers matter because availability had been part of the development picture; the extension buys the club another year to see whether that progress can carry upward.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell backed the move in the team announcement quoted by Pro Hockey Rumors, calling Ceulemans a talented young defenseman with offensive instincts, skating ability and puck-moving skill.
Two-Way Deal Leaves Room For Evaluation
The two-way structure is the practical part of the transaction. Columbus can continue using Ceulemans in the AHL if that is where his development fits, while preserving the option to bring him into the NHL picture if injuries, form or roster needs open a path.
This is not a headline-grabbing addition for the Blue Jackets' blue line. It is a controlled development decision on a former No. 25 overall pick whose next season will carry more evidence than promise.