Mar 17, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Mathieu Olivier (24) celebrates his goal against the New Jersey Devils during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

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Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Goaltender Evan Gardner to Entry-Level Contract

Columbus secures young netminder Evan Gardner with a three-year entry-level deal, adding depth to their goaltending pipeline.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have locked in goaltender Evan Gardner with a three-year entry-level contract, set to begin next season.

Gardner, 19, has spent this season with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades, where he’s posted a solid 2.83 goals-against average (GAA), a .911 save percentage (SV%), and three shutouts across 41 games. Though his current numbers have dipped slightly from last season—where he led the league with a stellar 1.91 GAA and .927 SV%—he remains a highly regarded prospect in Columbus’ pipeline.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED 🤩

We’ve signed goaltender Evan Gardner to a three-year entry level contract beginning with the 2025-26 season.

📝 https://t.co/8olUZlyYK0 @RuoffMortgage | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/ZT2Xv24MQw
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 18, 2025

Selected in the second round of last year’s draft, Gardner is considered the Blue Jackets’ top goaltending prospect. However, since he won’t turn 20 until January 2026, he’s ineligible for a full-time AHL spot next season. This means he’ll either have to make the NHL roster or return to Saskatoon, with the latter being the likely scenario. If he plays fewer than 10 NHL games next season, his contract will slide to 2026-27, effectively extending his deal by a year.

The Blue Jackets have been searching for long-term stability in net. While veteran Elvis Merzļikins is having a bounce-back year, his future remains uncertain. Backup Daniil Tarasov has struggled and faces restricted free agency this summer, opening the door for Jet Greaves to claim a more permanent role.

Gardner’s arrival strengthens Columbus’ goaltending depth, and though he may not make an immediate impact, he remains a key piece of the team’s long-term plans.

Image Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Columbus Blue Jackets

Evan Gardner

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Anamika Shrivastava

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