Johnny Gaudreau will continue his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Posted yesterday at 7:20 p.m.
The 28-year-old forward signed a seven-year, $68.25 million deal, which will earn him an average of $9.75 million annually.
“Johnny Gaudreau is a superstar in the National League and we couldn’t be happier to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family,” general manager Jarmo Kekaleinen said in a statement. He is an elite player with a lot of character who makes the players around him better. We are delighted to add a player of his caliber to our group. It’s an exciting day for our franchise, our fans and the city of Columbus. »
Remember that Gaudreau, who has spent the last eight seasons with the Calgary Flames, decided on Tuesday to test the free agent market. Flames general manager Brad Treliving said it was a family decision. Gaudreau is originally from New Jersey.
A fourth-round pick in 2011, Gaudreau has just had his career-best offensive season. He had 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points in 82 games, good for third in scoring in the Bettman league. He also maintained the best differential across the league, plus 64. He was also named to the first all-star team.