1st Round Pick John Moore Signs!

The Blue Jackets have announced that they have signed1^st round draft pick John Moore to a three-year entry level contract. Moore, the sixth ranked North American skater, was selected 21^st overall by the Jackets this summer in Montreal.

Moore played last season for Chicago Steel of the USHL. His 39 points in 57 games last season were good for fourth among USHL defensemen and took home the USHL Defenseman of the Year award. Although the 18-year-old had verbally committed to Colorado College, Moore is bound for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL.

The Winnetka, Illinois native is listed as 6’2” and 189 pounds. Fans can expect to see him add some weight to that frame this season in Kitchener. The sleek-skating defender has tremendous poise and a heavy shot that he usually gets to the net (something the Jackets desperately need). NHL Central Scouting’s Jack Barzee has compared Moore to a young Paul Coffey. “We are very pleased to have John under contract,” said Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson. “He is an outstanding prospect and we look forward to seeing him bring his offensive ability and skill set to Columbus in the not too distant future.”