Blue Jackets sign Boston Buckberger to two-year entry-level contract
It’s been a good week for Boston Buckberger.
The 22-year-old defenseman won the NCAA National Championship with the University of Denver on Saturday, and then signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday.
NCAA Championship ✅ Go pro ✅ We’ve signed D Boston Buckberger to a two-year ELC starting in 2026-27. 📝 cbj.co/buckberger-tw-… CBJ x @OHHeartofitAll
The deal will kick in beginning next season.
Buckberger just capped off a succesful three-year collegiate career with Denver, picking up the primary assist on the game-winning goal to give Denver the 2-1 victory over Wisconsin in the national championship game on Saturday.
In 42 games this season, the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native had 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points.
Buckberger has maintained consistent for Denver. Last season, he put up nine goals and 21 assists for 30 points in 41 games. In the the 2023-24 season, his first with Denver, he notched five goals and 22 assists for 27 points in 44 games.
Prior to joining Denver, Buckberger spent the 2022-23 season with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he registered nine goals and 36 assists for 45 points in 62 games. He also contributed a goal and seven assists for eight points in nine postseason games that year. He played the 2021-22 season for the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), where he has 13 goals and 18 assists for 31 points in 59 games, and then adding a goals and four assists for five points in four playoff games.
Buckberger, who is listed by the University of Denver as 6’0″ and 190 pounds, is a defenseman on the smaller side that excels with his movement, skating, and hockey IQ.
Buckberger joins Michigan forward Josh Eernisse as college free agents that have been signed by Columbus this season.
The Blue Jackets, who were eliminated from playoff contention on Monday, host the Washington Capitals on Tuesday for their final game of the regular season.