Bayreuther thrilled with return to Blue Jackets
Gavin Bayreuther didn’t get anything other than a little publicity for being selected by the NHL’S newest team in this past summer’s expansion draft.
The 27-year-old defenseman didn’t sign with Seattle, opting instead to re-sign with the Blue Jackets, and doesn’t own a single Kraken item to commemorate the day he was selected from a pool of available Columbus players.
No Kraken jersey. No Kraken hockey bag. Not even a ballcap.
“I was as shocked as anyone (to be drafted),” Bayreuther said. “It was a cool experience for my family and myself. A little bit of fame for a little while, which you don’t see every day, but I knew if I came back to Columbus and the Blue Jackets … I felt like I could make this team if I worked hard and came ready to go.”
He didn’t get that feeling from the Kraken, who selected 12 other defensemen ahead of him and offered only a two-way NHL/AHL contract to join their franchise.
After playing nine games last season with the Blue Jackets, Bayreuther wanted another spin through Ohio. The Jackets were interested, extending him a two-year deal with the second season guaranteed an
NHL rate of $750,000.
Combined with an AHL salary of $300,000 this year, Bayreuther is guaranteed to make at least $1.05 million on the contract, which is a big deal for a young guy just starting a family. He also felt better about the opportunity to play more NHL games with Columbus.
“Honestly, I just feel home here,” said Bayreuther, who scored a goal and skated 15:23 per game in his stint last season with the Jackets. “I love how from the moment I talked to Columbus, they just said they don’t care where you got drafted, if you got drafted or how much money you make. They just want to win, have guys work hard and help the team be successful. They showed me that at the end of the year, and I’m really grateful for that.”
Bayreuther’s play and demeanor caught the attention of then assistant Brad Larsen, who was hired to replace John Tortorella as head coach.
“He’s a guy that stood out to me in the right away,” said Larsen. “Every night, he gave it. He played within himself. He was aggressive. He was assertive on the ice. I told him last year that he caught my eye. I said, ‘Now you’ve got our attention, so come into camp ready to go.’ ”
Jackets top Blues
Boone Jenner scored two goals and added an assist and Gregory Hofmann, Liam Foudy and Dean Kukan scored their first goals of the preseason as the Blue Jackets topped St. Louis 5-2 in an exhibition game Wednesday. Rookie goalie Daniil Tarasov made 25 saves on 26 shots in two periods. bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger