Blue Jackets sign goaltender Daniil Tarasov to three-year contract extension

Tarasov was the Blue Jackets’ third-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. He signed his three-year entry-level contract in May of 2019 and was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

A native of Novokuznetsk, Russia, Tarasov came overseas and made his North American hockey debut last fall. He posted a 0.893 save percentage in 11 games with the Cleveland Monsters, Columbus’ AHL affiliate, and he put up an impressive 0.937 save percentage in four games with the Blue Jackets.

“Daniil is a big, athletic goaltender who exhibits great poise and calmness in net,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in the team’s announcement. “We were very impressed with his play last season before he was injured and are excited to see him continue to develop and grow in the years ahead.”

The Blue Jackets now have four goaltenders signed for next season. Elvis Merzlikins agreed to a five-year contract in September, Joonas Korpisalo agreed to a one-year extension in May, and undrafted free agent Jet Greaves signed an entry-level deal in February.