The Columbus Blue Jackets have wasted no time jumping into the college free agent market, signing Princeton University captain Eric Robinson to a two-year entry-level contract. Princeton was eliminated from the NCAA tournament this weekend, meaning the senior captain could turn pro. Robinson will join the Blue Jackets right away, meeting them in Edmonton on Tuesday. The deal is worth an average annual value of $925K, with maximum bonuses according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.
Robinson, 22, couldn’t get his club past Ohio State on Saturday, but completed his senior season with a solid 31 points in 36 games. Though he wasn’t used as the primary offensive weapon on his club, there are some who believe that he can grow into a bigger scoring role in the future. Instead, Robinson was tasked with a two-way role that has prepared him for life at the professional level. His heavy game fits nicely with what the Blue Jackets have built over the last few years, and he could get right into the lineup for them now that Nick Foligno is out for the next few weeks.
Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen had this to say about the young forward:
Eric is a power forward with excellent speed who plays a very reliable two-way game and brings the type of character and leadership we value as an organization. He will join our team for the rest of the regular season and we are excited about his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets are likely heading to the playoffs again this season, and Robinson could give them some extra depth during a run towards what will be a brutal Eastern Conference bracket. Right now, the team is scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round though that could easily change in the next few days.
Players signing (or traded) after the trade deadline are not eligible to play in the playoffs.
Pipeline signings are eligible for the playoffs.