COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed centre Antoine Vermette to a five-year contract extension through the 2014-15 season.
Tuesday's announcement from general manager Scott Howson did not disclose the deal's terms. The Columbus Dispatch reports that the extension is worth US$3.75 million per year, for a total of $18.75 million. Blue Jackets spokesman Todd Sharrock said he could not immediately confirm those figures.
The 27-year-old Vermette had seven goals and six assists in 17 games after he was acquired from Ottawa last year in exchange for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a second-round pick in the 2009 draft. Vermette helped spur the Blue Jackets to the first trip to the playoffs in franchise history.
In 376 NHL games, Vermette has 87 goals and 93 assists.