The Blue Jackets signed center Charlie Coyle to a six-year, $36 million contract, the team announced May 12.
“Charlie made a tremendous impact on and off the ice for us last season and keeping him in Columbus was a priority,” Blue Jackets president/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 leadership, character and consistency are extremely valuable in this league. We are thrilled that he will continue to be a very important part of the Columbus Blue Jackets for years to come.”
Waddell acquired Coyle prior to the 2025 NHL Draft along with forward Miles Wood in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche. It worked out great with Coyle, 34, who anchored what became one of the Jackets’ top forward lines.
Working with Mathieu Olivier and Cole Sillinger as wingers, Coyle put up impressive numbers while reaching a hallowed career milestone of 1,000 NHL games played. Playing all 82 games, Coyle finished with 58 points on 20 goals and 38 assists to reach the 20-goal mark for the third time in 14 NHL seasons.
Coyle could become an unrestricted free agent July 1 without agreeing to a contract extension, and would be one of the top centers available. The Blue Jackets also have decisions to make with captain Boone Jenner, forward Mason Marchment and defenseman Erik Gudbranson as pending UFAs.
Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets sign Charlie Coyle to 6-year deal worth $36 million
Reporting by Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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