Latest news with #ChristianJaros
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Ottawa Senator Returns To NHL After Three-Year KHL Stint
Things move fast in the NHL. A few years ago, it looked like Christian Jaros might carve out a long-term role on the Ottawa Senators' blue line. The 6-foot-3, 224-pound defenseman had the size and mobility, and he was a coveted right shot to boot.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Christian Jaros returns to NHL with Columbus Blue Jackets after rebuilding form in the KHL
(Image Source - Getty Images) The tall Slovak defenseman Christian Jaros, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 224 pounds, is making his comeback to the NHL after a three-year period in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Earlier this month, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed him to a one-year, two-way deal for the 2025-26 season, giving him a new chance to prove himself in the top hockey league globally. Thomas Chabot and Christian Jaros built early chemistry at their first Senators development camp Jaros's NHL adventure started in 2015 when the Ottawa Senators picked him in the fifth round (139th overall) during the NHL Entry Draft. At that point, his size, speed, and right-handed shot made him a player to watch closely. In the same draft, the Senators also drafted Thomas Chabot 18th overall, and during their initial development camp, the chemistry between them was immediate. Many considered Jaros a likely long-term partner for Chabot, much like Marc Methot had been for Erik Karlsson. While Chabot was perfecting his game in junior hockey, Jaros opted for a different journey, developing his talent in Sweden before joining the Belleville Senators, the AHL affiliate of Ottawa. By the 2018-19 season, after Karlsson was traded to San Jose, Jaros looked ready to make his big leap. He played 61 games for Ottawa that year, scoring 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Struggling With Belly Fat? Try This at Home Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo It seemed like he was about to lock down a consistent role on the Senators' blue line. You never know what to expect in the NHL. The next season, 2019-20, came with its own set of challenges. The Senators signed veterans Ron Hainsey and Nikita Zaitsev and brought in D.J. Smith as their head coach, which altered their defensive setup. Jaros found himself returning to Belleville to kick off the year. Unfortunately, injuries hit hard, and he was limited to just 47 games between the AHL and NHL. Columbus Blue Jackets see value in Christian Jaros after strong KHL development At 29, Jaros thinks he's in the prime of his career, and the NHL is still the top platform for any hockey player. The Columbus Blue Jackets, aiming to strengthen their defense, recognized the chance in Jaros's special mix of size, talent, and international experience. Earlier this month, they proposed a one-year, two-way contract to him—a deal that allows him to alternate between the NHL and their AHL team, the Cleveland Monsters, based on how he performs and what the team requires. Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell explained the move: 'Christian brings a unique combination of size and skill to our blue line. His experience in the KHL has helped him develop his game, and we're excited to see what he can bring to our team.' Waddell revealed this to the Blue Jackets' official website, highlighting the team's trust in Jaros's talent. For Jaros, the return is personal. 'I'm thrilled to be back in North America and to have the opportunity to play for the Blue Jackets,' he told the team's website. 'My goal has always been to play in the NHL. I feel like I'm ready to compete for a spot on the team.' Also Read: Chris Kreider asked for a trade and now the New York Rangers are left with more questions than answers Jaros is set to begin the season with the Cleveland Monsters, allowing him to shake off any cobwebs and get used to the North American ice. A solid performance—or an injury at the higher level—could lead to a call-up to Columbus. With a two-way contract in hand, he has some flexibility, and Jaros knows it's on him to take advantage of this chance. FAQs Who did Christian Jaros sign with in 2025? Christian Jaros signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Which KHL team did Jaros most recently play for? He played for CSKA Moscow in the KHL. What is Jaros's height and weight? He is 6-foot-3 and weighs 224 pounds. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Columbus Blue Jackets make surprise move, sign Christian Jaros for NHL comeback
Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/Getty Image The Columbus Blue Jackets have officially added international experience and size to their blue line, announcing Monday the signing of 29-year-old Slovak defenseman Christian Jaros to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025–26 season. Jaros, who spent the last three years battling in Russia's KHL, returns to North America with a rugged resume built on NHL , AHL, and European competition. It's a strategic move by team President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell to strengthen depth on defense with a player known for his hard-nosed, physical style and a track record that spans multiple continents and championships. Christian Jaros returns to the NHL as Columbus Blue Jackets add KHL-tested size and experience to their defense Christian Jaros' journey to Columbus Blue Jackets is anything but typical. Born in Košice, Slovakia, he was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut in October 2017 against the Vancouver Canucks. While splitting early years between the NHL and AHL, he showed a gritty, physical approach that quickly became his trademark. He delivered his most productive NHL season in 2018–19 with Ottawa, posting career highs in points, hits, and blocked shots. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola That season helped cement his reputation as a dependable, stay-at-home defenseman. After playing with the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils between 2021 and 2022, Jaros chose a new direction. Following his departure from the Devils in March 2022—where he was placed on unconditional waivers after declining an AHL assignment—he opted to continue his career in Russia. A KHL chapter that sharpened Christian Jaros' defensive skills Between 2022 and 2025, Jaros suited up in Russia's top league with Avangard Omsk, Severstal Cherepovets, and CSKA Moscow. He totaled 42 points over 132 KHL games, earning a Gagarin Cup championship with CSKA in 2023—though he missed the playoffs due to injury. During the 2024–25 season, he returned to CSKA for a second stint, finishing with 12 points in 51 games before deciding to pursue an NHL comeback. Columbus blue line gets boost with Christian Jaros' NHL return The Blue Jackets made the signing official on Monday in Columbus, with Waddell announcing the deal as part of the team's broader offseason plan to improve defensive depth. Jaros' contract—a one-year, two-way deal—means he'll be available for NHL duty in Columbus or assignment to the AHL affiliate if needed. For a team looking to rebound after a challenging season, his signing adds flexibility and proven toughness to the blue line. For Christian Jaros, this move marks a return to the NHL stage after three years overseas. And for the Columbus Blue Jackets, it's a calculated step to bring in reliable, international experience at a position that demands consistency. As the 2025–26 season approaches, both sides are betting on a partnership that can deliver stability—and maybe even a little surprise upside—to the Columbus defense. Also Read: Florida Panthers shock NHL: Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett sign blockbuster long-term deals before free agency Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
