Blue Jackets Sign Coyle to 6-Year, $36M Contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets secured a cornerstone of their lineup Tuesday by signing veteran center Charlie Coyle to a six-year contract worth $36 million, carrying an annual salary cap hit of $6 million.

The deal, which includes a full no-move clause for the first four seasons, runs through the 2031-32 season and keeps the 34-year-old Coyle in Columbus until he turns 40. Acquired from the Colorado Avalanche last offseason in a trade that also brought forward Miles Wood, Coyle emerged as a reliable third-line center, providing shutdown minutes against top opponents while contributing offensively. In 82 games this past season, he recorded 20 goals and 38 assists for 58 points, a plus-3 rating and just 14 penalty minutes. He logged more than 18 minutes of ice time per game on average and played every game for the fifth straight year, underscoring his durability over five-plus seasons without missing a contest.

"Charlie made a tremendous impact on and off the ice for us last season and keeping him in Columbus was a priority," Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. "He is the definition of a true pro, and a durable, reliable, productive right-shot center whose...