Blue Jackets sign Dean Kukan to a one-year two-way extension

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Dean Kukan to a one-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract extension through the 2017-18 season, club General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today. As is club policy, terms were not disclosed.

Kukan, 23, recorded four goals and 25 assists for 29 points with 43 penalty minutes in 72 games with the American Hockey League's Cleveland Monsters this past season. He led club defensemen in assists and points and finished third on the team in assists and games played (tied) and fifth in points.

The Volketswil, Switzerland native has posted 7-35-42 with 51 penalty minutes in 105 career AHL games since making his North American pro debut with the Monsters in 2015-16. He added 1-4-5 with two penalty minutes and was +4 in 17 playoff games to help the club capture the 2016 Calder Cup. The 6-2, 196-pound defenseman made his NHL debut during the 2015-16 campaign, registering a +9 plus/minus rating in eight contests with the Jackets, including playing in his first NHL game on March 26, 2016 at Nashville.

Originally signed by Columbus to a two-year, entry level contract on June 1, 2015, Kukan collected 8-21-29 with 26 penalty minutes and a +19 plus/minus rating in 125 career SHL games with Luleå from 2011-15. He has represented Switzerland in numerous international tournaments, including the 2014, 2015 and 2017 IIHF World Championships.