Michigan's Josh Eernisse joins Columbus, bringing size, grit, and a knack for clutch goals. A defensive dynamo and penalty-killing specialist, he's set to bolster the bottom six.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are leaning into size and grit as they look toward the 2026-27 season. President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today that the club has signed forward Josh Eernisse to a one-year, entry-level contract.
Eernisse, a 24-year-old power forward standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 217 pounds, joins the organization after a standout collegiate career that saw him evolve from a depth transfer into a premier defensive forward and penalty-killing specialist.
A Defensive Dynamo and Short-Handed Specialist
While many prospects are touted for their flashy highlight reels, Eernisse earned his NHL contract through the "heavy" aspects of the game. In 151 career collegiate games split between the University of St. Thomas and the University of Michigan, he proved to be a reliable, two-way force, tallying 34 goals and 31 assists.
However, it was his most recent season in Ann Arbor that truly caught the eyes of NHL scouts. Eernisse became a nightmare for opposing power plays, finishing second in the nation in short-handed goals. His ability to read passing lanes and use his massive frame to protect the puck on the counter-attack made him one of the most dangerous penalty killers in the NCAA.
Beyond the special teams' success, Eernisse displayed a penchant for the big moment, adding three game-winning goals this past year and finishing with an impressive +17 rating.
"As we looked at a number of college free agents, we identified those that could fill an organizational need, and Josh does just that," said Don Waddell. "He is a big, strong right winger who skates well and has great character."
The Path to the Pros
Eernisse’s journey to Columbus is a testament to late-blooming development. After a freshman year at St. Thomas where he recorded 14 goals, he transferred to Michigan to test himself against the elite competition of the Big Ten.
Under the bright lights of Yost Ice Arena, Eernisse transformed his game. He traded a pure scoring role for that of a "Swiss Army knife" forward—a player who can bang bodies on the fourth line, win critical defensive zone faceoffs, and elevate his game during the postseason.
Josh Eernisse Career Snapshot:
Size: 6'3", 217 lbs
Position: Right Wing
2025-26 Stats: 11 Goals, 8 Assists, +17
NCAA Rank: 2nd in Short-Handed Goals (2025-26)
Academics: Winner of the 2026 Elite 90 Award (Highest GPA at the Frozen Four)
Fit with the Blue Jackets
The signing signals a clear direction for the Blue Jackets' management. By bringing in Eernisse, Columbus is adding much-needed size to a roster that has often been pushed around in the physical Metropolitan Division. Eernisse isn't expected to be a top-line scorer, but he projects as a high-end "role player"—the type of gritty, high-character forward necessary for a deep playoff run.
Eernisse’s immediate future involves a stint with the Cleveland Monsters, the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate. He has signed a professional tryout (PTO) for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, allowing him to join Cleveland for their upcoming playoff push before his NHL contract officially kicks in next fall.
For a Blue Jackets fanbase looking for reasons to be optimistic, Eernisse represents a low-risk, high-reward investment. If his collegiate "blue-collar" work ethic translates to the pro game, Columbus may have just found the missing piece for their checking line for years to come.