Blue Jackets sign SPHL goaltender to professional tryout contract

Less than a week before training camp begins, the Columbus Blue Jackets have made a bit of a surprise PTO signing.

The Blue Jackets are bringing in goaltender Hayden Stewart on a professional tryout contract. Why is this surprising? Stewart has spent parts of the last four seasons in the Southern Professional Hockey League, which is one step below the ECHL.

Before turning pro in Spring of 2018, Stewart played four seasons in the NCAA with Cornell, primarily as a back-up as he only appeared in 22 games during his time in college.

During the 2021-22 season, the 27-year-old played for the Birmingham Bulls where he put up an 11-17-2 record through 31 games, along with a 3.22 GAA, a .904 save percentage and three shutouts.

BREAKING - Birmingham's Hayden Stewart to attend NHL Camp in Columbus with the @BlueJacketsNHL #OurTeam #OurGame #OurTown pic.twitter.com/hAfMK2jpqP— Birmingham Bulls (@BullsBirmingham) September 16, 2022

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