COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets are continuing to remake their roster for the 2026–27 season as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced today that the club is bringing back bruising defenseman Erik Gudbranson.

This is Gudbranson’s second stint with Columbus having originally signed with the Blue Jackets in 2022 on a four year deal.

The Blue Jackets hope they will get a healthy version of Gudbranson, unlike the last two years he wore the Blue Jackets’ colors when he had several injuries to derail those seasons.

If he stays healthy, however, the 6'5", 225lb veteran will bring a physical presence to a younger, skill-oriented defensive depth chart.

"He finished the season strong, and he's been in the gym every day," said Waddell. ""We have a lot of puck-movers (on defense), but he is our physicality on the blue line."

Terms of the deal are for one year at a cap hit of 1.75 million.