Left wing Johnny Gaudreau has signed a seven-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets worth $9.8 million annually, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported Wednesday, the first day of NHL free agency.
The news comes after The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reported Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen "made a major play" for the veteran once free agency opened.
The Philadelphia Flyers were Gaudreau's top choice, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported Wednesday, but the franchise was unable to clear enough cap space to even offer him a contract.
The New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils were also among the teams that expressed interest in signing Gaudreau this summer.