A new chapter begins for one of the most promising young defensemen in North America.
Caleb MacDonald, the 22-year-old standout from Boston College, has officially signed his entry-level contract and is set to join the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. The announcement came shortly after the conclusion of the college hockey season, where MacDonald served as team captain and helped lead the Eagles to the Frozen Four.
“From the moment the season ended, I knew I was ready,” MacDonald said in an exclusive interview with Jackets insider Jeff Svoboda. “It’s been a dream since I was a kid — now it’s real. I’m ready to compete.”
Blue Jackets Director of Player Development Rick Nash is equally enthusiastic.
“Caleb’s hockey IQ is off the charts,” said Nash. “He’s calm under pressure, moves the puck exceptionally well, and has that natural leadership quality you can’t teach. We think he’s going to be a big piece of our future.”
MacDonald, a left-shot defenseman known for his smooth skating and two-way game, will begin training with the Cleveland Monsters — Columbus’s AHL affiliate — but is expected to get a serious look during training camp later this fall.
The addition of MacDonald marks a key investment in the Blue Jackets’ blue line depth as the franchise continues to retool for long-term contention. With names like Werenski, Jiricek, and now MacDonald, the team is building a strong foundation on the back end.
For now, the young blueliner is keeping it simple.
“I just want to earn my spot,” MacDonald said. “Put in the work, keep learning, and be ready when my number’s called.”
As summer development camp looms, all eyes in Columbus — and beyond — will be watching the rise of this next-generation defender