Columbus Blue Jackets, David Savard agree to one-year, two-way deal

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenceman David Savard to a one-year, two-way contract.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen made the announcement on Monday, and the deal is structured for easier transactions between the NHL and Columbus' American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield, Mass.

A third-round choice of the Blue Jackets in 2009, Savard, 22, has appeared in 35 games, registering 10 points and 16 penalty minutes for the Blue Jackets. Last season, he played in just four games for Columbus, and spent most of his time in Springfield.

A native of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Savard was named the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's defenceman of the year in 2009-10.