The Blue Jackets have signed free agent forward Nathan Horton to a seven-year contract through the 2019-20 season, club GM Jarmo Kekalainen announced today. 

“Nathan Horton was the player we identified as a perfect fit for the Columbus Blue Jackets and we are very happy to welcome Nathan and his family to our organization,” said Kekalainen.  “He is an elite power forward who brings size, skill and a great desire to compete to our lineup.  He is also a person of great character and someone who will fit in very well with our team.”  

Horton, 28, has scored 198 goals and added 204 assists for 402 points with 543 penalty minutes in 591 career NHL games with the Panthers and Bruins.