One of the top free agents won’t even make it to July 1.
Coyle, 34, is coming off a strong first season with Columbus in which he registered 20 goals and 38 assists while playing all 82 games.
The East Weymouth, Mass., native’s 58 points marked the second-highest total of his career.
“Charlie made a tremendous impact on and off the ice for us last season and keeping him in Columbus was a priority,” Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and GM Don Waddell said in a statement.
“He is the definition of a true pro, and a durable, reliable, productive right-shot centre whose leadership, character and consistency are extremely valuable in this league. We are thrilled that he will continue to be a very important part of the Columbus Blue Jackets for years to come.”
Coyle had been set to sit near the top of a thin free-agent class in which only six players and one centre, Evgeni Malkin, compiled more points last season.
Instead, he’ll stick with the Blue Jackets, who are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
For his career, Coyle has skated in 1,032 games over 14 seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Blue Jackets. He has 209 goals and 334 assists and is still searching for his first Stanley Cup title.
