Blue Jackets sign Seth Jones to $32.4 million, 6-year deal

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Seth Jones to a $32.4 million, six-year contract.

Jones will count $5.4 million against the salary cap through the 2020-21 NHL season. He was a pending restricted free agent.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen says reaching a long-term agreement with Jones was an offseason priority.

Agent Pat Brisson confirmed the terms of the contract, which includes a modified no-trade clause in years five and six.

Jones was the fourth overall pick in the 2013 draft to the Nashville Predators. The Blue Jackets acquired him in a January trade that sent center Ryan Johansen to Nashville.

In three NHL seasons, the 21-year-old Jones has 17 goals and 66 assists for 83 points. Kekalainen says Jones was just beginning to tap into his potential.