The Columbus Blue Jackets have given forward William Karlsson a two-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday. Multiple reports peg the deal with a $1 million AAV and $1 million actual cash in both seasons.
“William Karlsson made great strides in his first NHL season and we believe that he is just beginning to come into his own as a player,” said general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. “He is an important part of our young, core group of players and we are pleased that he will continue to grow, develop and contribute to our team as we move forward.”
Karlsson inks the deal a week before he would have become a restricted free agent. He’s been a great addition for the team, coming over in the 2014 trade deadline deal that sent James Wisniewski to the Anaheim Ducks.
The 23-year-old Swede scored nine goals and 20 points for the Jackets in 81 games last season.