The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Friday that they have signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a four-year contract extension.
The young Russian netminder, known affectionately as "Bob," would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. Now, Bobrovsky, along with winger Nick Foligno, who signed a six-year deal last month, will be a member of the ascending Blue Jackets for the foreseeable future.
"A common thread of every successful team in our league is outstanding goaltending and we believe we have one of the best at the position in the world in Sergei Bobrovsky," said Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen. "He is a tremendous person and a very talented player whose work ethic sets the tone for our team. We are very happy to have him signed for the next four years."
Bob, still only 26, will see a nice per year raise from the $5.625 million he's making this season to $7.425 million a year he'll make under the new, $29.7 million deal.
"This is a very exciting day for me and I am very happy knowing that I will continue to be a Columbus Blue Jacket and be able to play with the guys in this room, to work to get better every day and help the team achieve our goals together," said Bobrovsky.
Bob won the Vezina Trophy in 2013 as the NHL's best goaltender.
He has gone 68-41-13 with a 2.34 GAA, .924 SV and 123 games since joining Columbus in the 2012-13 season. Bob originally entered the league with the Philadelphia Flyers.
In 27 games of this injury-marred season, he is 15-10-2 with a 2.75 GAA, .917 SV and one shutout in 27 games.
He was recently named the NHL's third-star for December after going 9-1-1 in 11 games.
