COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenceman Seth Jones to a $32.4 million, six-year contract.
Jones will count $5.4 million against the salary cap through the 2020-21 NHL season. He was a pending restricted free agent.
Agent Pat Brisson confirmed the terms of the contract, which includes a modified no-trade clause in years five and six.
Jones was the fourth overall pick in the 2013 draft to the Nashville Predators. The Blue Jackets acquired him in a January trade that sent centre Ryan Johansen to Nashville.
"Acquiring Seth Jones was very important to our organization and reaching a long-term agreement with him to remain a Blue Jacket was a priority, so we are extremely excited about having done so today," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "At 21, Seth is just beginning to tap into his potential as a player. He has everything you look for in a defenceman and is going to be a very important player and leader on our team for many years."
In three NHL seasons, Jones has 17 goals and 66 assists for 83 points. Last season he led Columbus defencemen with 31 points despite playing just 41 games with the team after the trade.
A right-handed shooting defenceman, Jones was a luxury for the Predators, who have captain Shea Weber along with Roman Josi, Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis on the blue line. For the Blue Jackets it was worth parting with Johansen to get Jones, who has the potential to be an elite No. 1 defenceman as he develops.
Jones averaged 22:04 of ice time last season and set career highs in assists, points and shots on goal.
