The Blue Jackets signed Gavin Brindley, the No. 34 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning this season and expiring after the 2025-26 season. He's expected to make his NHL debut on Tuesday when the Blue Jackets host the Carolina Hurricanes.
According to PuckPedia, Brindley's contract carries an annual cap hit of $950k that's comprised of a $855k base salary and a $95k signing bonus. His minor-league salary is $82.5k. There are no performance bonuses included in his deal.
Because Brindley's entry-level contract begins this season, he is ineligible to play in this year's AHL playoffs.
Brindley, the 2023-24 Big Ten Player of the Year and a First-Team All-American, posted 25-28--53 in 40 games in his sophomore season at Michigan that saw the Wolverines lose in the Frozen Four semifinal. Additionally, he scored 6-4--10 in seven games at the 2024 World Juniors, helping Team USA win a gold medal.
This is a sweet goal by #CBJ prospect Gavin Brindley pic.twitter.com/2LvB7afbJD
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) February 10, 2024
As a freshman at Michigan in 2022-23, Brindley posted 12-26--38 in 41 games in a season where the Wolverines won the Big Ten Tournament and lost in the Frozen Four semifinal. He also took home a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2023 World Juniors where he scored 1-3--4 in seven games.
The Blue Jackets conclude their 2023-24 season on Tuesday against the Hurricanes at 7 p.m. ET on Bally Sports Ohio.
