The Columbus Blue Jackets have solidified their defensive ranks for next year by signing defenseman Marcus Bjork to a one-year, two-way contract extension, the team announced today. The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reports the contract carries an NHL cap hit of $775K, an AHL salary of $375K, and a minimum guarantee of $450K.
Bjork, a 25-year-old hailing from Umea, Sweden, enjoyed a successful rookie NHL campaign with the Blue Jackets this year. In 33 appearances, he contributed three goals and eight assists for a total of 11 points – an impressive rate for a first-year defender who averaged north of 18 minutes per game.
The defenseman wasted no time making an impact in his NHL debut, netting a goal on November 12 against the New York Islanders. He followed up with his first career assist just three days later in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Bjork also compiled solid numbers with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, registering seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 44 contests. That’s where he’ll likely return, at least to start the season, with Columbus making multiple significant adds to their defense corps.
He was a shrewd undrafted free agent signing by general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who brought him into the organization last May.
Solid signing, I have always been impressed with Kekalainens ability to get solid talent in a market that seemingly some players don’t want to play in, I think Columbus has been Impressive this off season so far as well but what I can’t figure out is why Kekalainen consistently strikes out when it comes to picking head coaches.
Way to go Wilf. You are impressed with a guy’s ability to do half his job. Seems about right. You are a beauty.