The Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Seth Jones to a six-year contract through 2021-22, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced Wednesday.
According to TSN, the deal has an average annual value of $5.4 million for a total price tag of $32.4 million. The contract also includes a limited no-trade clause in the deal's unrestricted free agent years, The Fourth Period reported.
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Jones, 21, would have become a restricted free agent on Friday.
Acquired on Jan. 6 from the Predators for center Ryan Johansen, Jones had 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 41 games since joining the team. He led Blue Jackets defensemen with his season total of 31 points on three goals and 28 assists in 81 games.
“At 21, Seth is just beginning to tap into his potential as a player," Kekalainen said in a statement. "He has everything you look for in a defenseman and is going to be a very important player and leader on our team for many years.”
A 6-4, 208-pound native of Arlington, Texas, Jones was the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut with Nashville in 2013-14.
