Blue Jackets, Boll agree on three-year extension

Jared Boll has seen some tough times with the Columbus Blue Jackets. But last season's surge convinced the veteran forward to forgo free agency and sign a three-year, $5.1 million extension with the only team he's played for.

"We started talking halfway through the summer," Boll told the Columbus Dispatch on Friday. "There was no rush; I still have a full year left. But I didn't care about free agency. I didn't even want to think about playing somewhere else. There was no reason for me to test free agency.

"The way this team is moving. The (Nathan) Horton signing this summer. The season (Sergei Bobrovsky, who won the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goalie last season) just had. The way we finished the season. The people we have in charge at the top. Just everything is headed in the right direction right now, and there's nothing I want more than to be a part of it."

The most-tenured Blue Jackets player, Boll ranks fourth in games played (388) and second in penalty minutes (983).

The 27-year-old Boll was drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 NHL entry draft.

In announcing the signing, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen cited Boll's toughness and leadership abilities.

"He brings toughness, determination and a great work ethic to our team and has become an important leader for us both on and off the ice."