Herb N Joy Beverly Hills

The Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday signed free-agent center Sean Monahan to a five-year, $27.5 million contract, the team announced.

The deal will carry a $5.5 million average annual value for Monahan, 29, who finished last season with the Winnipeg Jets.

On a high-flying offense for coach Rick Bowness, following a deal from the Montreal Canadiens, Monahan made the most of his opportunities last season in front of the net.

Though Winnipeg ran out of steam in the postseason, the Jets were dominant at times in the regular season, and Monahan took advantage of that to the tune of 13 goals and 24 points in just 34 games, playing on a variety of lines for Bowness.

All told, with both clubs, he had 26 goals and 59 points last season. Still only 29 years old, but with 11 years in the league, this summer seemed like a great opportunity for Monahan's biggest deal of his career. He made just$2 million last season.

"Sean Monahan is a very talented player, and his addition strengthens our team down the middle and injects valuable experience, leadership and versatility to our lineup," Columbus general manager Don Waddell said. "He can score and create goals, is very good in the faceoff circle and can play on the power play and kill penalties. We're very excited to have him join the Blue Jackets."