Blue Jackets Sign First-Team All-American Forward

The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a key signing, bringing on board the 34th overall pick from last year's NHL Draft, Gavin Brindley, and the NCAA First-Team All-American will step right into the lineup for Tuesday night's season finale.

IT’S OFFICIAL! 🤩

We have signed First Team All-American forward Gavin Brindley to a three-year entry level contract!

📝 https://t.co/NtYVC3Ym4o @RuoffMortgage | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/XZf9lTHhDc
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 15, 2024

It's a three-year entry-level contract with a $950,000 cap hit for the 19-year-old center/wing, who'll now be re-united with his former Michigan teammate, Adam Fantilli, who Columbus took with the third overall selection last June. Brindley is expected to take the ice immediately for the Blue Jackets, at practice Tuesday morning, and then suit up with Fantilli & Co. on Tuesday night as they take on the Carolina Hurricanes to conclude the season.

Brindley was the Big Ten Player of the Year as a sophomore at University of Michigan this season, as well as being selected as an NCAA First Team All-American. He recorded 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points and 40 games at Michigan this year, which was good for 8th overall in NCAA scoring. His points-per-game (1.33) ranked him 11th in the nation. He also had a plus-17 rating. His 25 goals more than doubled his output from his freshman campaign.

Brindley was also a key member of the gold medal-winning Team USA at the 2024 World Junior Championship.

According to Elite Prospects, the Florida-born speedy forward is also an elite defender and a tenacious forechecker in addition to his burgeoning offensive skills.

The 5'9", 175-pounder will be a great add to the Blue Jackets roster.