a busy start to NHLthe free-agency period of Wednesday closed with columbus blue jacket Highest Profile Player Landing: “Johnny Hockey.”
johnny goudreau The Blue Jackets cashed in on a career season of US$68.25 million by signing a seven-year contract with Columbus in the Blue Jackets to return to prominence after losing their original stars – including Artemi Panarin – in free agency two years earlier. Gone.
Goudreau’s decision to sign with Columbus came a day after he turned down an eight-year deal with which to sign again. Calgary, where he spent his first nine NHL seasons. The Blue Jackets also signed defenseman Eric Gudbranson to a four-year contract worth US$16 million.
“Jonny Goudreau is a superstar in the National Hockey League, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome him,” said General Manager Jermo Kecklen.
“He’s an elite player with great character who makes the players around him better.”
The 28-year-old, who plays at Boston College, finished second in the NHL last season with a career-best 115 points and 40 goals. And much to the speculation of Goudreau, who is from New Jersey, going for a team that is much closer to home like the Devils, Philadelphia Flyers or New York Islanders.
Read more: Calgary Flames GM confirms Jonny Goudreau will test NHL’s free agent market
Goudreau’s signing highlighted a busy day in which Claude Giroux looked forward to a homecoming in Ottawa, the Washington Capitals brought down Stanley Cup-winning goalkeeper Darcy Kumper and the New York Rangers spent big on center Vincent Trochek.
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