10TV Sports has learned that one of the Blue Jackets' top young players has comes to terms on a new contract.

The Jackets' first overall pick in 2003 and last year's second leading scorer will have a chance to duplicate those totals this season as well. 10TV Sports has learned that Nikolia Zherdev will in fact play with the Blue Jackets this year.

Terms of the new contract are not available at this time.

The Blue Jackets' forward has been in his native country of Russia up until this point playing for a Russian hockey club.

Zherdev had until the season opener October 6th to sign with Columbus.

Had the right winger played a game for his Russian club on or after that date, he would have had to pass through waivers to join the Blue Jackets.

Talks between Zherdev's agent and the Jackets were at a stand still up until this week.

Doug Maclean said on Sunday that he would not trade Zherdev; Nikolia would either play in Russia or Columbus this year. Much to the delight of Jackets fans, he'll be in a Blue Jackets sweater this season.

Zherdev might have some visa issues and might not make it for the season opener, but should be on the squad shortly there after.

The Blue Jackets have scheduled a press conference for 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

We'll have the latest reaction from the team on the signing on 10TV Eyewitness News this evening beginning at 5 p.m.