Jackets sign Umberger to extension

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Forward R.J. Umberger will be a Columbus Blue Jacket for a while longer.

The former Ohio State player, starting his fourth season with the Blue Jackets, signed a five-year contract extension that takes effect next year and will take him through the 2016-17 season.

The Columbus Dispatch reported the contract was worth US$23 million.

General manager Scott Howson confirmed the signing on his Twitter account, saying, "Thrilled to have such a big part of our team signed long term."

The 29-year-old Umberger has 74 goals and 84 assists and has not missed a game with 246 starts since being acquired in a trade with Philadelphia. He has 123 goals and 151 assists in 474 career NHL games.