Johnny Gaudreau, Blue Jackets Comply with Reported 7-12 months Contract with $9.8M AAV

AP Photograph/Kamil Krzaczynski

Left wing Johnny Gaudreau has signed a seven-year cope with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the crew introduced Wednesday.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman first reported the deal was completed, for a reported $9.8 million annual common worth.

The information comes after The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reported Blue Jackets basic supervisor Jarmo Kekalainen “made a serious play” for the veteran as soon as free company opened.

The Philadelphia Flyers had been Gaudreau’s best choice, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported Wednesday, however the franchise was unable to clear sufficient cap house to even supply him a contract.

The New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils had been additionally among the many groups that expressed curiosity in signing Gaudreau this summer season.

Gaudreau beforehand performed eight seasons with the Calgary Flames. His finest effort got here final yr when he recorded 38 objectives and 70 assists for 108 factors.

Thanks largely to his efforts, the Flames completed first within the Pacific Division and reached the second spherical of the Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier than falling to the Edmonton Oilers in 5 video games.

The 28-year-old, who starred at Boston Faculty earlier than heading to the NHL, has posted 208 objectives and 394 helpers for his profession.

Gaudreau signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract earlier than the 2016-17 season. It is protected to say that deal labored out for the Flames, but it surely’s nonetheless a troublesome blow for the group, which appeared primed to contend nicely into the last decade had he stayed.

Columbus will now profit from his point-scoring prowess as he gives a large enhance to their offense. The Blue Jackets completed sixth within the Metropolitan Division final season with a 37-38-7 file and missed the postseason. Gaudreau figures to right away slot in on the crew’s high line alongside Jakub Voracek and Jack Roslovic.

With Gaudreau locked up, Columbus can now shift its consideration to re-signing restricted free brokers Patrik Laine and Emil Bemstrom.

Supply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.