Columbus, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - The Columbus Blue Jackets rewarded starting goaltender and pending restricted free agent Sergei Bobrovsky with a four-year contract extension on Friday.
"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 Jackets 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."
Bobrovsky has gone 15-10-2 with a 2.75 goals-against average, .917 save percentage and one shutout in 27 games this season. He was named the NHL's Third Star of the Month for December after going 9-1-1 with a 2.13 GAA and one shutout in 11 appearances.
This came on the heels of a successful 2013-14 campaign, which saw the 26- year-old Russian go 32-20-5 with a 2.38 GAA, .923 save percentage and five shutouts in 58 games, setting career highs in wins and shutouts.
In a lockout-shortened 2013, he captured the Vezina Trophy and earned NHL First All-Star Team honors after posting a 21-11-6 mark, 2.00 GAA and four shutouts in 38 games. His goals-against average and save percentage (.932) were personal bests and Blue Jackets franchise records.
"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.
Bobrovsky arrived in the NHL as a rookie free agent with the Flyers in 2010, and was acquired by Columbus in exchange for second and third round picks in the 2012 draft as well as fourth round pick in the 2013 draft on June 22, 2012.
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