This contract takes Christiansen through next season and allows the Jackets to keep using him both in Cleveland and Columbus, without the risk of him passing through waivers. After next season, he’ll still be an RFA, but he’ll have arbitration rights – which may force the team’s hand on keeping him beyond.
Christiansen was originally signed in March of 2020, as an undrafted free agent playing for the Everett Silvertips (WHL). Since joining the organization, he’s appeared in 32 NHL games, registering 1 goal and 4 assists in that span. He’s spent the bulk of his time in the AHL, where he’s scored 27 goals and 94 points in 149 games with the Cleveland Monsters.