Blue Jackets sign Paul Bittner to 3-year entry level contract

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Blue Jackets have signed left wing Paul Bittner to a three-year entry level contract.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen made the announcement Thursday. Bittner was the team's second-round pick, 38th overall, in the NHL draft.

The 18-year-old Bittner, of Crookston, Minnesota, had 68 goals and 75 assists in three seasons with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League.