Columbus adds promising young forward Jack Williams to their roster, locking him into a three-year entry-level deal for the upcoming seasons.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have added a new face to their roster, signing center Jack Williams to a two-year entry-level contract that kicks in immediately. The undrafted free agent is set to report directly to the team for the remainder of the season, though he won’t be eligible for the playoffs if Columbus manages to secure a spot. The deal, carrying a cap hit of $923,750, offers Williams a significant opportunity to begin his professional journey right away.
At 23 years old, Williams is coming off a strong junior season at Northeastern, where he served as team captain and led the Huskies in scoring with 16 goals and 25 assists in 37 games. His leadership and offensive skills caught the attention of multiple NHL teams, but Columbus managed to win the race for his signature. According to reports, the Blue Jackets weren’t initially seen as frontrunners, but their offer, one that allowed Williams to start earning immediately instead of waiting until July 1, proved to be the deciding factor.
Williams has been described by Columbus general manager Don Waddell as a “skilled, hard-working player with a passion for the game.” His track record backs that up. Over his collegiate career, he racked up 94 points in 106 games while maintaining a respectable +11 rating. His performances earned him nominations for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award in both 2024 and 2025, a testament to his impact on the ice.
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Despite signing his contract and joining the Blue Jackets right away, Williams will likely face limited playing opportunities in the NHL this season. With established centers like Sean Monahan leading the charge and promising young star Adam Fantilli developing rapidly, Williams will need to wait for an opening. If Columbus falls out of playoff contention before the season ends, he might get a brief look at the NHL level. Otherwise, he’s expected to spend next season refining his game with AHL Cleveland.
For Williams, this contract marks the first step toward proving he belongs in the NHL. His immediate focus will be on making a strong impression within the organization and earning a place in Columbus’s long-term plans. If he can show promise at the AHL level next season, he’ll put himself in a solid position to receive a qualifying offer in 2026 when he reaches restricted free agency. For now, though, the journey begins—one step at a time.
Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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