Johnny Gaudreau signs 7-year contract with Columbus Blue Jackets

Former Calgary Flame joins Blue Jackets on seven-year deal

Gaudreau signs for $68.25 million over seven years

Johnny Gaudreau has signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team announced Tuesday.

Gaudreau, 29, is a six-time All-Star and has recorded at least 30 goals in each of the past six seasons. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Calgary Flames, but became an unrestricted free agent on July 13.

The Blue Jackets were one of several teams interested in signing Gaudreau, but the New Jersey Devils were considered the favorites to land the winger.

• Gaudreau has recorded 210 goals and 298 assists in 602 career NHL games.
• He was a member of the Flames' 2015 Western Conference championship team.
• Gaudreau is a native of Carneys Point, New Jersey.

The Blue Jackets are hoping that Gaudreau can help them return to the playoffs after missing out last season.

Columbus finished last season with a record of 37-38-7, good for ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Blue Jackets have not made the playoffs since 2019.