NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman James Wisniewski to a six-year contract, the National Hockey League (NHL) team said on Friday.

Financial terms were not announced, but local media reported the deal was worth $33 million.

The signing came two days after the Blue Jackets acquired Wisniewski's rights from the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal will receive a fifth round draft pick in 2012 in return.

"He brings offensive skill and grit to our blueline, character to our dressing room and will be a key contributor to our hockey club," Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson said in a statement.

Wisniewski, 27, had career highs in points (51), goals (10) and assists (41) in 75 games with the Canadiens and New York Islanders last season.

(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina)