The Blue Jackets have secured another piece of their promising young core.
GM Jarmo Kekalainen announced Thursday that they've signed Markus Nutivaara to a four-year contract extension. The deal is reportedly worth $10.8 million total ($2.7 million AAV).
In the midst of a breakout season, Nutivaara has proven himself to be one of the more important players on the Columbus blue line. The 23-year-old made the team out of training camp last season, but has taken off in his sophomore campaign as the Jackets try to secure a second straight playoff berth.
"Markus is a smart, mobile defenseman who reads the ice very well and excels at moving the puck," said Kekalainen. "He has become an important part of our blueline over the past two seasons and we look forward to his continued growth and contributions to our team success moving forward."
Nutivaara has six goals and 16 assists this season, and has appeared in 59 games. He was a seventh-round pick of the Blue Jackets in 2015.
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