Jones signs six-year contract with Columbus

Defenseman Seth Jones signed a six-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.
Financial terms were not released but the contract has an average annual value of $5.4 million according to Sportsnet.
Jones, 21, could have become a restricted free agent Friday.

"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," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "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.
"It's a good day for our organization."

Jones had two goals and 18 assists in 41 games this season with the Blue Jackets, who acquired him in a trade with the Nashville Predators for center Ryan Johansen on Jan. 7. Jones had 11 points in 40 games with the Predators prior to the trade.
"I had no thoughts of signing with another team," Jones said. "I wanted to get it done before [Friday.] I really like the core we have here."
In 240 regular-season NHL games with the Predators and Blue Jackets, Jones has 17 goals and 83 points.