Fedor Tyutin signed to 6-year extension

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Fedor Tyutin to a six-year contract extension.

General manager Scott Howson confirmed the signing Wednesday morning on Twitter, calling Tyutin "our top dman since we traded for him."

The 28-year-old Russia native, the second pick of the New York Rangers in the 2001 draft, was acquired by Columbus in a trade with the Rangers three years ago. He had seven goals and 20 assists in 80 games last season.

Signed through next season for a little more than $3.4 million a year, the new contract will take him through the 2017-18 season.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press