Columbus Blue Jackets sign high scoring centre R.J. Umberger to five-year deal -NHL News Update
R.J. Umberger of Columbus Blues Jackets agreed with his team of three seasons to a contract extension of five-years, worth an estimated $23 million, keeping him on the Eastern Conference franchise well through the 2016-2017 National Hockey League (NHL) season.
The deal was signed on Wednesday, September 21, 2011.
Columbus Blues Jackets general manager, Scott Howson, made the announcement about the team having signed their valuable contributor, through social media networking website, Twitter.
"We have signed RJ to a 5 year extension", Blue Jackets GM and executive vice president of hockey operations, Scott Howson, tweeted early Wednesday morning. "Thrilled to have such a big part of our team signed long term".
R.J. Umberger, now ready to enter his seventh straight season in the major league, has reached new heights in his career ever since joining Columbus.
Drafted as the 16th overall during round-one of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Umberger never played with his original draft team but was sent to Philadelphia Flyers in a trade.
He was given his first full season opportunity during the 2005-2006 season by playing 73 games and registering an impressive 38 points (20 goals, 18 assists).
The following season was an all-time low for the 29-year-old as he managed to only pot 28 points (16 goals, 12 assists) in 81 appearances. The following season made up for the last, scoring 50 points (13 goals, 37 assists) and signed himself on to Columbus
after becoming a free agent in 2008.
“R.J.'s commitment to the team and the city has been impactful since we acquired him three years ago”, added Blue Jackets GM, Scott Howson. “We are very excited about him continuing to play such a large role on our team”.
Last season was by far R.J. Umberger’s best as he scored 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists) in all 82 games played, a constant record which he has maintained the last three seasons with Blue Jackets.
Due to his consistency and ability to take the role of a leader, a franchise like Columbus would not want a player like, R. J. Umberger, anywhere else.
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