What happened: The Columbus Blue Jackets announced they have signed forward Charlie Coyle to a six-year contract extension worth $36 million. The deal carries a $6 million average annual value and runs through the 2031-32 season. The signing removes Coyle from the pool of pending unrestricted free agents ahead of July 1.

Why it matters: Locking up Coyle before he could reach the open market gives Columbus cost certainty at a position the club has spent the past several seasons trying to stabilize. The six-year term signals a commitment to a veteran core piece rather than letting another pending UFA walk for nothing. With the Blue Jackets already battling through tight divisional matchups this spring, the extension is the kind of front-office move that shapes the next competitive window.

What to watch: Watch for the official cap-hit registration and any clause details (no-trade/no-move) once the contract is filed. Coyle's role and usage under the current coaching staff for the 2026-27 season will be the next thing to monitor.