Columbus Blue Jackets, Jet Greaves agree to 3-year, $15 million contract

By Ethan Gagnon — 23 July 2026 — 3 min read

Blue Jackets secure Greaves with new contract

The Columbus Blue Jackets and goaltender Jet Greaves have reached an agreement on a three-year contract, valued at $5 million annually. This deal, announced by General Manager Don Waddell, solidifies Greaves’ position as the team’s starting goaltender. The agreement was finalized on Thursday, avoiding an arbitration hearing that had been scheduled for the same day in Toronto.

Greaves, a restricted free agent, had a breakout season in the NHL, his first in the league. He played in 55 games, recording 26 wins, 19 losses, and 9 overtime losses. During this period, he maintained a .908 save percentage and a 2.60 goals-against average, emerging as a key player for coach Rick Bowness in the latter half of the season.

Waddell expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that Greaves is a “high-character, talented and athletic goaltender who has become an important part of our hockey club.” He added that the team’s intention was always to secure a deal to ensure Greaves remained a Blue Jacket, and they are thrilled to have achieved this.

Arbitration avoided after significant gap in filings

The agreement comes after a notable difference in the figures submitted by both parties for their arbitration hearing. The Blue Jackets had sought a $2.8 million salary for a one-year ruling, while Greaves, through his agent Pat Brisson, requested a $7.5 million ruling. The midpoint between these two requests was $5.15 million.

This $5 million annual cap hit represents a significant increase in pay for Greaves, who earned $825,000 last season, a figure just above the NHL minimum. The arbitration process is often characterized by teams filing low and players filing high, with the expectation of negotiating to a middle ground. However, the substantial gap of $4.7 million between the initial filings highlighted the differing valuations.

Commentators Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discussed the situation, with Yaremchuk noting the potential for alienating a key player. Hutton emphasized the importance of securing a long-term deal with Greaves, especially given the rising salary cap, and the need to avoid the negative aspects of an arbitration meeting where a player’s perceived shortcomings are often highlighted.

Greaves’ journey to the NHL starter role

Greaves’ path to becoming the Blue Jackets’ starting goaltender is notable, as he was undrafted out of the junior ranks. He initially joined the Blue Jackets’ rookie camp in Traverse City, Mich., in 2021 as a free-agent invite. Following this, he signed a minor-league contract with the team, and then an NHL deal a year later.

Throughout his career, Greaves has played in 76 NHL games, accumulating a record of 36 wins, 28 losses, and 11 overtime losses. His overall NHL statistics include a .913 save percentage and a 2.61 goals-against average. His performance, including his play for Canada at the World Championship, has been highlighted as a reason for the team to commit to him.

The Blue Jackets have experienced challenges in their goaltending over recent years, with players like Sergei Bobrovsky and Elvis Merzlikins. The organization now has an opportunity to build a strong relationship with Greaves, a player described as very good and a key piece for the franchise’s future. The focus on culture by coach Bowness also plays into the importance of fostering a positive relationship with core players like Greaves.

Source: dailyfaceoff.com