Nick Blankenburg, former Michigan Wolverines captain, was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets as an unrestricted free agent on April 8, 2022. Blankenburg post 14-15-29 for the national semi finalists and was brought in as a test option for a defensive corps that was struggling to find consistency, leadership, and an ability to move the puck and make things happen. Blankenburg stepped into the role and filled it nicely.
In seven games for the club, Blankenburg drew rave reviews. He scored three points, played 20 minutes a night on several occasions while not looking out of place, and provided a stabilizing presence at the bottom of a beaten down and injured defensive group.