Blue Jackets sign Nikitin to two-year deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenceman Nikita Nikitin to a two-year, $4.3 million deal, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Originally drafted in the fifth round by the St. Louis Blues, the Blue Jackets acquired Nikitin mid-way through the 2011-12 season via trade for defenceman Kris Russell.

In 54 games with the Blue Jackets last season, Nikitin posted 32 points (7 goals, 25 assists) and had a -5 rating on a team that finished dead last in the NHL with a 29-46-7 record.