Kerby Rychel Signs Three-Year Entry Level Contract With Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced yesterday that they have signed 19th overall draft pick Kerby Rychel to a three-year entry level contract. Rychel has spent the season in the Ontario Hockey League, first with Windsor Spitfires and then Guelph Storm. The 19-year-old has tallied 17 goals and 28 assists this season, registering a +16 plus/minus and 17 penalty minutes. 

He also has a cat with a twitter.

“Kerby is a hard-nosed player who is very competitive and possesses a mixture of skill, the ability to score goals, and grit,” said General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen of the contract. He added, “We believe he will be an important part of organization for years to come as he continues to grow and develop as a player.”

Rychel has appeared in 228 OHL games and ranked eighth in the league in points last season. He is currently playing for Team Canada at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championships in Sweden.