The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed a defenseman, just not the one that some are hoping for. Gavin Bayreuther has inked a one-year two-way contract with the team, coming over from the Dallas Stars organization after qualifying as a Group VI unrestricted free agent.
Bayreuther, 26, was a free agent signing by the Stars in 2017 and ever since he has been a strong performer at the minor league level. The AHL defenseman scored 29 points in 59 games this season and will be a great addition to the Cleveland Monsters if that’s where he ends up.
Dallas did give him an opportunity in the 2018-19 season to play 19 games at the NHL level, and actually held his own. Perhaps he’ll get a chance this season in Columbus as well, given their recent departures. Over the last few days the team has traded Ryan Murray and Markus Nutivaara, two full-time members of the NHL blue line.