The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Friday, just before the trade deadline, that they have acquired center Luke Kunin from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a fourth-round pick (originally belonging to St. Louis) in the 2025 NHL Draft.

 

Kunin, 27, has recorded 73 goals and 69 assists, while averaging 14:58 of ice time in 422 career games with the Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Minnesota Wild since making his NHL debut in 2017-18. He has registered 10 or more goals in five of his six full NHL campaigns, including 11-7-18 in 63 appearances with San Jose this season.

 

“Luke is a versatile forward who can play down the middle or on the wing, kills penalties and has tremendous character and work ethic,” said Waddell. “He has been a very consistent player throughout his career, and we think he’ll be a good addition to our club.”

 

The Chesterfield, Missouri native was originally selected by the Wild in the first-round, 15th overall, at the 2016 NHL Draft. He set career highs in games played and penalty minutes with Nashville in 2021-22, finishing with 13-9-22 and while playing in all 82 games.

 

The 6-0, 197-pound forward  played two seasons at the University of Wisconsin. He also spent time with the U.S. National Development Team Program from 2013-15 and has represented Team USA at several international tournaments, including the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship (gold medal) and two IIHF World Championships.