Blue Jackets' Prout signs two-year contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Dalton Prout to a two-year contract, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. Financial terms of the contract were not released.
Prout, 26, could have become a restricted free agent July 1.

"Dalton is a hard-working defenseman who adds size, strength and physicality to our blue line," Kekalainen told the Blue Jackets website. "He is very well respected by his teammates and everyone in our organization and we are very pleased that he will continue to be part of our group moving forward."
Prout has tied his NHL career-highs with two goals and eight points in 56 games this season.