Jackets sign Umberger to five-year extension

Columbus, OH – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward year contract extension that will keep him with the 17 season.

Financial terms of the new deal, which begins with the 2012-13 campaign, were not disclosed.

Umberger has not missed a game since joining the Blue Jackets in a June 2008 trade with Philadelphia and has been a consistent 20-goal scorer for the franchise. He ranked second on the team in scoring last season, posting 25 goals with 32 assists for a career-best 57 points.

"We are pleased that we were able to come to an agreement with R.J.," said Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson in a statement. "R.J.'s commitment to the team and the city has been impactful since we acquired him three years ago. We are very excited about him continuing to play such a large role on our team."

In 246 games for the Blue Jackets, Umberger has 74 goals and 84 assists for 158 points. He spent his first three NHL seasons in Philadelphia and has compiled 123 goals with 151 assists for 274 points in 474 games.

The Pittsburgh native starred collegiately in Columbus for Ohio State.