R.J Umberger Signs New Deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets

Cross another RFA off the list. RJ Umberger has been signed to a four year, $15 million deal ($3.75 mil per year) by the Jackets.

I believe that deal buys up a couple of unrestricted years and will take him to the age of 30. Also, it's one less guy the Jackets have to worry about receiving an offer sheet for.

So the Jackets now have their center. No he's not an ideal No. 1, but he's the most capable guy we've ever had and he's only 26. The hope is that he'll find some chemistry with Nash or Modin. Ideally, he slots in between Nash and Huselius, but chemistry can be a fickle thing. He'll certainly be a fixture within the top six for years to come.

Howson's comments on the signing:

"Acquiring R.J. last month was an important first step in our efforts to improve the hockey club this summer and we are pleased that he will be a part of our organization for the next four years," said GM Scott Howson. "He is a competitive, hard-working player who will add versatility to our top six forwards."

With this signing, it brings the Jackets payroll up to $43.02 million with 20 players expected to make the team. Here is the breakdown:

Nash (6.5) Umberger (3.0) Huselius (4.75)

Modin (3.5) Brassard (.850) Torres (2.4)

Murray (.600) XXX Boll (.570)

Chimera (1.875) Malhotra (1.5) Voracek (.850)

Extra: Novotny (.800)

Commodore (4.3) Hejda (2.0)

Tyutin (2.25) Klesla (1.65)

Russell (.575) Backman (3.4)

Extra: Tollefsen (.750)

Leclaire (?)

Norrena (.900)

Peca is speculated to be a target for that XXX on the third line, but I haven't heard much about him since last week. Of course Howson still needs to get Leclaire under contract and by not filing for arbitration both sides must at least be in the ballpark.

It has also been mentioned on HF that Nikita Filatov has been signed to a rookie contract. I have yet to see an official announcement about that; however, rookie contracts are probably the easiest to complete as the CBA has tight controls over those entry level deals so it wouldn't surprise me in the least. Apparently, he's moving to North America permanently in August.

Update: According to Puck-rakers, Howson has backloaded Umberger's contract so he makes more in the later years  ($3.0, $3.5, $4.0, & $4.5). Also, a reader has sent me a link to Commodore's deal. It is actually front loaded at $4.3, $4, $4, $3.75, & $2.7.

If anyone has an update on how Huselius' contract is structured please let me know.

I will adjust the numbers accordingly.

Discuss - Do you like RJ's contract terms?

-LTL