The Columbus Blue Jackets have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a three-year, $13.875 million contract with forward Cole Sillinger.
The deal was reached on Friday, just before Sillinger's scheduled arbitration hearing on Monday. Sillinger, the team's first-round pick in the 2021 draft, is from Columbus and has five years of NHL experience.
Sillinger was a key player for the Blue Jackets last season, making the switch from center to left wing and finishing with a career-best 33 points (eight goals, 25 assists). His 51 goals and 140 points in 367 career games have made him a valuable asset to the team.
The 23-year-old Sillinger has been a fixture on the Blue Jackets' third line, and his signing is a significant boost to the team's roster. With this deal, Sillinger will remain with the Blue Jackets for the next three seasons.
Sillinger's career has been marked by steady improvement, and he has become a fan favorite in Columbus. His signing is a testament to the team's commitment to developing young players.
The Blue Jackets' move to sign Sillinger to a long-term contract suggests that they are confident in his abilities and see him as a key part of their future.
Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers have also made a significant signing, avoiding arbitration by agreeing to a two-year, $4 million contract with goalie Akira Schmid.
The Panthers acquired Schmid in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights in June, and he will join a team that is looking to make a deep playoff run. Schmid's signing is a key part of the Panthers' offseason plans.
Schmid, a 26-year-old goalie from Switzerland, posted career-highs with 29 starts and 16 wins in his fifth NHL season last year. His experience and skill will be valuable assets to the Panthers' roster.
The Panthers' signing of Schmid comes as the team prepares for the loss of long-time starter Sergei Bobrovsky, who has signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency. The Panthers are looking to fill the void left by Bobrovsky's departure.
The Blue Jackets' signing of Sillinger and the Panthers' signing of Schmid are significant moves that will impact the NHL's Central Division. Both teams are looking to make a push for the playoffs, and these signings will play a key role in their efforts.
Source: Yahoo Sports