The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Egor Zamula to a one-year, one-way contract worth $1 million.
What to know about new #CBJ D Egor Zamula (6-3, 200), signed today
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) January 6, 2026
25 years old, from Chelyabinsk, Russia
Has 8-33-41 in 168 NHL games (six seasons) with the Flyers
Played junior hockey for Regina and Calgary (WHL)
Was on Russias World Juniors team in 2020 pic.twitter.com/Auwe0UE9kI
A native of Russia, Zamula is 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. He was an undrafted free agent who has played parts of six seasons in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, accumulating 41 points (eight goals, 33 assists) in 168 games since 2020-21.
In 13 games for the Flyers this season, Zamula had one assist. In two games for Philadelphia's AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Zamula had two assists in three games.
Zamula was part of a trade between the Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 31. Zemula cleared waivers on Tuesday.
"Egor is a mobile defenseman with good size who sees the ice well and can move the puck very efficiently. We are excited to have him join our hockey club," said president and general manager Don Waddell.
Per NHL Insider Chris Russo, there were as many as six teams interested in the 25-year-old.
Six NHL teams have expressed interest in Egor Zamula, who will officially become an unrestricted free agent after clearing unconditional waivers in the next hour.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 6, 2026
Wouldn't expect it to take too long before the defenseman finds a new home.
Zamula's agent, Dan Milstein, offered the below regarding his client:
Official statement Regarding Egor Zamula:
— Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) January 6, 2026
On December 20, 2025, Egor Zamula approached our agency (Gold Star Hockey) with a clear and principled objective: to find an opportunity, as quickly as possible, to return to the NHL and continue his career at the highest level. We are
Official statement Regarding Egor Zamula:
On December 20, 2025, Egor Zamula approached our agency (Gold Star Hockey) with a clear and principled objective: to find an opportunity, as quickly as possible, to return to the NHL and continue his career at the highest level. We are grateful to Egor for making a conscious and well-considered decision regarding his professional future.
Following discussions with the Philadelphia Flyers, the club granted us official permission to engage in conversations with other NHL teams.
From the outset, Egor and I agreed that the situation could realistically develop along two paths:
1.a trade to another NHL club; or
2.termination of the existing contract followed by the signing of a new NHL agreement.All parties we spoke to were fully informed of the player’s position, including Pittsburgh, which traded for him. I would like to personally thank the management and front offices of both organizations for their professional, transparent, and highly constructive work over the past seven days.
With the permission we were granted, we spent a lot of time discussin Egor’s best fit. As a result, he has selected the club with which he will sign an NHL contract. An official announcement will follow in due course.
This was a balanced, mature decision by a professional athlete who chose long-term opportunity and the chance to remain in the NHL over short-term financial considerations. #WeAreGoldStar!
Zamula is expected to join the Blue Jackets on Wednesday. Columbus returns to action on Tuesday night against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m.
