Jet Greaves signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. It has an average annual value of $5 million.
The 25-year-old goalie was a restricted free agent and avoided a salary arbitration hearing. He had filed for arbitration July 5.
"I really trust (agent) Pat (Brisson) and the group around me, but I was excited for me just to commit to this hockey team and to be here," Greaves said Tuesday. "And I think it's positive in the sense that it gives a runway for myself, a runway for the group just to be able to build year to year and have some continuity. I think is something I'm excited about.
I think the team is excited about it as well.
Greaves was 26-19-9 with a 2.60 goals-against average, .908 save percentage and two shutouts in 55 games (53 starts) for the Blue Jackets last season. He set NHL career highs in games played and wins.
Elvis Merzlikins went 14-11-3 with a 3.40 GAA, .883 save percentage and one shutout in 30 games (29 starts).
"Elvis is a great friend of mine," Greaves said. "We've been fortunate to be together these last five years to some extent. We developed a really good relationship.
I mean, we talk all throughout the season, all the time. We talk in the summer and we're just close friends, which I'm super grateful to have him. He's been awesome with me.
"Obviously, being a veteran in our locker room, he's really welcomed me into the room and he's been a great influence on me. And I think as far as our relationship now, it's a positive thing where we both want to play well and help the team, but I think we both understand that when we're not playing, we can help the team by supporting the other guy.
Signed by Columbus as an undrafted free agent Feb. 20, 2022, Greaves is 36-28-11 with a 2.61 GAA, .913 save percentage and four shutouts in 76 games (73 starts).
"Jet is a high-character, talented and athletic goaltender who has become an important part of our hockey club," Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. "Our intent always was to get a deal done to ensure he remains a Blue Jacket and we are thrilled that we were able to do so.
The Blue Jackets have one remaining restricted free agent, forward Adam Fantilli, after forward Cole Sillinger signed a three-year, $13.875 million contract Saturday to avoid a salary arbitration hearing.
NHL.com independent correspondent Craig Merz contributed to this report