Blue Jackets sign GM Jarmo Kekalainen to multi-year extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and president of hockey operations and alternate governor John Davidson to multi-year extensions, the team announced Thursday.

The Blue Jackets also promoted Bill Zito from assistant GM to associate GM, and signed him to an extension as well.

"Under John Davidson's leadership, our club has made great strides over the past six seasons and this long-term commitment speaks to the confidence that our ownership group, led by John P. McConnell, has in his vision for our team," said Blue Jackets President Mike Priest. "The plan implemented by our hockey operations senior management team is working and we are pleased that these talented and committed individuals will continue to lead our hockey operations efforts for years to come."

In five full seasons with both Kekalainen and Davidson at the helm, the Jackets have made the postseason three times, accumulating a franchise-record 108 points in 2016-17, but have failed to win a playoff series.

Kekalainen, a native of Finland, became the first European-born GM in NHL history when he was hired in February of 2013.

The Blue Jackets' brass are set to make some key decisions that could drastically alter the franchise. Star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and dynamic forward Artemi Panarin are both unrestricted free agents after next season.

The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reported last month that negotiations between Bobrovsky and the club have stalled, and initial discussions were far apart. Meanwhile, Panarin has made it clear he's not ready to sign an extension, forcing the Jackets to explore trade options.