After missing training camp due to a stalemate in contract talks with the Blue Jackets, it looks like restricted free agent forward Josh Anderson will, in fact, be returning to Columbus.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Blue Jackets and Anderson have agreed to terms on a three-year deal with an average annual value of $1.85 million.
The Blue Jackets open the regular season Friday against the New York Islanders.
Can confirm report by @FriedgeHNIC that #CBJ have agreed to terms on 3 yr, $5.55M deal w Josh Anderson. Nothing is signed yet, however.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 3, 2017
The 23-year-old Anderson scored 17 goals and 29 points in 2016-17 -- his first full NHL season.
This contract situation dragged on through the summer and beyond training camp and preseason. It included reports that his camp had been in talks with Hockey Canada about the 2018 Olympics and, most recently, a report that Anderson had requested a trade, which the Blue Jackets denied.
Update:
According to Portzline, the Blue Jackets have confirmed the deal. The Jackets beat reporter also has a year-by-year break down of Anderson’s salary.
#CBJ Josh Anderson’s deal: $1.6M this season
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 3, 2017
$1.85 in 2018-19
$2.1 in 2019-20
$1.85 AAV