Blue Jackets sign Seth Jones to 6-year contract worth reported $32.4M

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Seth Jones to a six-year contract extension with a reported average annual valuation of $5.4 million, according to Darren Dreger of TSN.

"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," said general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

"At 21, Seth is just beginning to tap into his potential as a player. He has everything you look for in a defenseman and is going to be a very important player and leader on our team for many years."

Jones was acquired from the Nashville Predators last season in exchange for Ryan Johansen. He averaged over 24 minutes a game on the blue line with Columbus, and is clearly seen as a franchise defenseman to build around.

Drafted fourth overall in 2013, Jones is averaging 0.7 points per 60 minutes at even strength over the course of his 240-game career, and has proven to be a positive possession player.

The signing removes any possibility of an offer sheet, which Jones could have signed as a restricted free agent.

The Blue Jackets, however, are now in a serious salary cap crunch, with an estimated $42,858 in available space with 12 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goalies signed, according to General Fanager.

According to James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail, the Blue Jackets have told teams they're willing to retain salary in order to dump undesirable contracts, while Chris Johnston of Sportsnet suggests Columbus could exercise a buyout option over the next two days.