Columbus Blue Jackets Lock In Rising Star Goaltender Evan Gardner

1 week ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors  /  Read Time: 1 minute 37 seconds

In an exciting move for the franchise, Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced on Tuesday that the team has secured goaltender Evan Gardner with a three-year, entry-level contract. Gardner, the Blue Jackets’ 60th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is already making waves as one of the most promising young netminders in the game.SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED 🤩We’ve signed goaltender Evan Gardner to a three-year entry level contract beginning with the 2025-26 season.📝 https://t.co/8olUZlyYK0@RuoffMortgage | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/ZT2Xv24MQw— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 18, 2025A Standout WHL CareerHailing from Fort St. John, British Columbia, Evan Gardner has been a standout performer for the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL). This season, in 41 appearances, he posted an impressive 22-12-4 record, a 2.83 goals-against average (GAA), a .911 save percentage (SV%), and three shutouts. His stellar play earned him WHL Goaltender of the Month honors in November, where he recorded a 7-3-0 record, a 2.64 GAA, and a .912 SV% over 11 games.Over his 71-game WHL career, Gardner has consistently shined, compiling a remarkable 43-17-6 record, a 2.45 GAA, a .917 SV%, and seven shutouts. As a rookie in the 2023-24 season, the 19-year-old led the league in GAA and SV% while ranking second in shutouts, finishing with a dominant 21-5-2 record. Analysts Take NoticeGardner’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed by hockey analysts. Daily Faceoff prospect expert Steven Ellis highlighted Gardner as one of the WHL’s top prospects this season, stating:“Many believed Gardner deserved a shot at making Canada’s World Junior team, and it’s hard to argue against that. He leads all drafted prospects in wins this season and has been a backbone for a mid-tier Saskatoon Blades squad. While his stats have leveled off slightly, he’s consistently stepped up when his team needs him most.”Ellis also praised Gardner’s patience, mobility, and well-rounded skill set, noting that while he may not have one standout trait, his overall consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset. “The Blue Jackets took a calculated risk drafting him 60th overall, and it’s already paying off,” Ellis added. “Gardner is proving to be one of the top goaltending prospects in the CHL, and his clutch performances are a big reason why.”As Gardner transitions to the next stage of his career, all eyes will be on him to see if he can bring the same level of excellence to the NHL. One thing’s for sure: the future looks bright for Evan Gardner and the Columbus Blue Jackets.Image - James Guillory-Imagn ...

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