In one of those “Who, wait, what??” moves, the Jackets have signed Left Wing Jonathan Audy-Marchessault to a three year entry level deal.
At 21, “JAM” went undrafted and was signed by the AHL’s Connecticut Whale after an all star career career in the QMJHL where he was a point per game player for Patrick Roy’s Quebec Ramparts. Scoring 24 goals and 40 assists in 76 games in his first professional season, Audy-Marchessant was tied for 13th in power play assists for the AHL and lead his club in assists, while coming in second in goals and overall scoring. Many expected him to be signed to an NHL deal by the New York Rangers, making this move a bit of a steal.
On the one hand, Audy-Marchessault would make sense as a first line winger for the Falcons, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he pushes players like Cam Atkinson and the recently acquired Nick Foligno for ice time as well. He might be considered a bit small for the NHL game (5′ 9″, 163 lb), but there’s a lot to be said for speed, skill, and wicked scoring ability.
Exact terms of the contract have not been released, but this feels like a great “low cost, high potential” move from the Blue Jackets‘ front office.
(Oh, hey, and guess who is on Twitter?)