The Columbus Blue Jackets continue with another smart free agent addition by adding Anthony Duclair.
Today the Columbus Blue Jackets made big signing for a small amount. For the league minimum salary, the Jackets brought young, speedy forward, Anthony Duclair to Columbus. As reported by Renaud Lavoie, the contract is for one year at $650,000.
The soon to be 23-year-old was not offered a contract by the Chicago Blackhawks this summer after acquiring the forward from Arizona. Duclair played 23 games for the Hawks and only had two goals and six assist. It was a significant drop off in production from his time in Arizona earlier in the year. Until the trade, Duclair was averaging a half point per game.
In Duclair’s rookie season in 2015-2016, the Coyotes looked as though they landed a future star. He scored 20 goals and 24 assist on way to finishing in the top 10 of Calder trophy voting. But in the last two season’s he has had trouble consistency producing and is now on his third team in as many years.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The signing is still a huge get for the Jackets. Duclair is still very young and has a high ceiling. For just $650,000 the Jackets have added a great depth forward that will push players like Sonny Milano, Vitaly Abramov, and Markus Hannikainen to either excel, or ride the bench.
Montreal Miss
Duclair was reportedly in serious talks with the Montreal Canadiens as well. Duclair is a native of the greater Montreal area and played his minor hockey just up the St. Lawrence River in Quebec.
The Canadiens must be very frustrated at letting Duclair get away. It was clearly not a money decision that Duclair made when choosing the Jackets over the Canadiens. He just sees a better opportunity and future in the Blue Jackets organization.
It was the second notable signing of this offseason for Jarmo Kekalainen and crew. Along with Riley Nash, the organization has added two quality players with two great contracts. Both have great potential and are well worth the low risk the organization took to bring them to Ohio.
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They have done all this and still have the flexibility in the future to retain star players that will demand massive salaries. Anthony Duclair, just the latest of great signing for the Columbus Blue Jackets.