Defenseman Damon Severson will continue his career with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who obtained him from the New Jersey Devils after he signed an eight-year contract, worth an average annual value of $6.25 million, on Friday .
The Devils were compensated with a third-round pick, the 80th overall, in the next draft.
Thus, Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen seems determined to revamp his defensive squad, having acquired Ivan Provorov from the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this week. As for Severson, he could have tested the free agent market on July 1 after completing a six-year, $25 million deal.
“Damon is an agile guard with excellent vision of the game. He circulates the puck very well and relies on good physicality, while being able to play several important minutes on both sides of the ice,” explained the GM in a press release. He will form an important part of our blue line for many years to come.”
The 28-year-old had 33 points in 81 games and maintained a +9 rating last season, adding three points in 12 playoff games. The previous year, he set a personal best by scoring 46 points in 80 outings.