Blue Jackets Sign Isac Lundeström To Two-Year Deal

The Blue Jackets have signed center Isac Lundeström to a two-year deal worth $1.3MM per season, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

Taking advantage of the Anaheim Ducks failing to give Lundeström a qualifying offer, the Blue Jackets felt compelled to offer the former first-round pick another opportunity. Lundeström is a natural center and could represent a shrewd option for Columbus to play on their fourth line.

All of a sudden, the up-and-coming Blue Jackets have put together impressive center depth, especially after adding Charlie Coyle a few days ago. Lundeström is not typically recognized for his offensive skills, yet he approached the 30-point mark a few years ago. This output appears even more impressive considering the Ducks have struggled with scoring as a team for several years.

Most of his value in Columbus will come on the defensive side of the puck. Since becoming a full-timer for the Ducks beginning in the 2020-21 NHL season, Lundeström has regularly maintained a higher than 90.0% on-ice save percentage at even strength. The only issue that may arise is his lethargic faceoff percentage of 45.9%.

That success rate in the dot could be palatable from a center with more offensive upside. However, Lundeström started 62.4% of his shifts in Anaheim in the defensive zone, making his faceoff rate look far worse. Although he may take on a similar fourth-line role with the Blue Jackets, they will want him to address those issues in the faceoff circle, or they won’t feel comfortable utilizing him in high-pressure situations.

PHR’s Brennan McClain contributed significantly to this article.