Blue Jackets re-sign free agents Bjorkstrand and Murray

The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand and defenceman Ryan Murray.

Blue Jackets re-sign free agents Bjorkstrand and Murray

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand and defenceman Ryan Murray.

The 23-year-old Bjorkstrand, the team's fifth-leading scorer last season with 11 goals and 29 assists, signed a three-year pact worth $7.5 million.

The 24-year-old Murray accepted the team's qualifying offer of a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. Both deals were announced over the weekend.

Murray, who had a goal and 11 assists in 44 games last season, could play a larger role next season after the departure of free agents Jack Johnson and Ian Cole.

The Blue Jackets' top scorer Artemi Panarin tweeted that he and his agent were meeting for contract talks with team general manager Jarmo Kekalainen on Monday in France. He is a free agent after next season.

The Associated Press