Star Rookie Makes Decision on Whether to Return Home

Despite his excellent play in his first season in the NHL, Columbus Blue Jackets rookie Dmitry Voronkov has been the cause of some major tension for the team over the past couple of weeks. It can now be put to rest.

Voronkov has an out clause on his current contract that allows him to return home to Russia on or before Dec. 31, 2023. Even after securing a regular spot in the Blue Jackets lineup, there were reports that Voronkov, 23, was very homesick and was seriously considering using it. Columbus head coach Pascal Vincent confirmed those reports. However, Voronkov's agent now says the player "has done a 180."

Voronkov had played several season for Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL before he decided to make the jump to North America. Besides his homesickness, there is also a language barrier as Voronkov speaks very little English. That said, it looks like any concern regarding him using his out clause can be put to bed, and he can continue to get better in the best league in the world.

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