Blue Jackets Sign Alexandre Giroux and Aaron Johnson

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have signed left wing Alexandre Giroux and defenseman Aaron Johnson to one-year, two-way contracts. Giroux's deal will pay him $825,000 at the NHL level and $625,000 at the AHL level, while the financial terms of Johnson's contract were not disclosed. In eight games last season with the Edmonton Oilers, Giroux had one goal and one assist. He also appeared in 70 games with Oklahoma City of the AHL, scoring 32 goals and 46 assists for 78 points. In 72 games last season with Milwaukee of the AHL, Johnson had nine goals and 26 assists for 35 points and 70 penalty minutes. This will be his second stint with Columbus, where he played from 2003 to 2007. These aren't bad depth signings for the Blue Jackets. Giroux is a very talented scorer at the minor-league level and will bring lots of offensive and goal-scoring skill to the team's AHL affiliate in Springfield. If he sees any time at the NHL level next season, it will likely be on the fourth line. As for Johnson, he brings some offensive talent and plenty of toughness to the Blue Jackets' defense. More than likely, he will play as a seventh defenseman if he makes the team next season.