Yesterday it was announced that the Blue Jackets have signed their 2015 second round pick Kevin Stenlund to an entry level contract.
I'm proud to have signed my first NHL contract and its a huge honour to be a part of @BlueJacketsNHL
— Kevin Stenlund (@StenlundKevin) May 23, 2017
Stenlund has spent his entire hockey career in Sweden coming up through the HV71 system. He had a breakout season this year recording 20 points in 48 games for HV71 in the SHL. This comes after combining for just three points in 60 SHL games in the two seasons prior. He was also very strong in the playoffs this season, putting up 10 points in 16 helping HV71 win the SHL title.
Stenlund is a big centre who thinks the game well. He fits right into the Blue Jackets model of a big player with a developing offensive game. He started to show flashes this season and will have one more season in the SHL to improve upon it.
Even with this deal in place, #CBJ expect Stenlund to remain in Sweden (HV71) for at least one more season.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) May 23, 2017
Stenlund’s contract includes an European Assignment Clause. What that means is Stendlund is able to come over and play for the Blue Jackets, but he has the option at any point to return to Sweden. This clause is usually exercised when a player doesn’t make the NHL roster and they opt to go back to Europe rather than play in the AHL. Here is the full breakdown of Stenlund’s contract.
Kevin Stenlund #BlueJackets
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) May 24, 2017
2015 2nd RD pick (58th overall)
3 yr ELC beginning in 2017-18
C/H - $864,167
*Euro assignment clause in 2017-18 pic.twitter.com/fQqX0YgUbE
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