Markus Nutivaara Inks ELC With Columbus

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Markus Nutivaara to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

However, Cap Friendly reports that the deal carries a $817,500 cap hit.

The 21-year-old was selected in the 7th round (189th overall) of the 2015 draft. This year, playing for Karpat in Finland’s top professional league, he scored six goals and 16 assists through 50 games. The defender was second among team defensemen in goals, assists and points, while adding five points and a plus-5 rating in seven postseason games.

The late-blooming defenseman debuted in the 2014-15 season, and also played for the national team at the World Junior Championships the prior year.