One of the Blue Jackets’ last two unsigned free agents has agreed to terms on a new contract.
Mikael Pyyhtia, a 23-year old depth forward who has played parts of the past three seasons in Columbus, will continue his time with the Blue Jackets after signing a one-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract Aug. 13 worth $775,000 at the NHL level, $100,000 with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters and guarantees a $140,000 minimum salary.
Oct 3, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mikael Pyyhtia (82) watches the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Joona Koppanen (15) in the second period at Nationwide Arena.
Nicknamed “Tuna” by teammates who struggle with the Finnish pronunciation of his last name, Pyyhtia contributed four goals, three assists and seven points while posting a -11 plus/minus in 47 games last season in his most extensive NHL action. He totaled 3-13-16 with a +4 for Cleveland in 28 AHL games. Pyyhtia also chipped in an assist during six playoff games for the Monsters.
Advertisement
Defenseman Daemon Hunt is now the lone RFA without a new deal. Hunt, 23, has 13 NHL games under his belt but hasn’t played for the Blue Jackets since they acquired him as part of the trade that sent David Jiricek to the Minnesota Wild.
Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com and @BrianHedger.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mikael Pyyhtia signs one-year deal with Columbus Blue Jackets