When Columbus drafted John Moore, the Blue Jackets seemed like a neutral destination for the coveted defenseman, as far as CC was concerned. The Blue Jackets weren’t a team that pushed its draftees into major junior hockey. A few of Columbus’ recent picks landed in college.

And although Moore said Columbus never pressured him either way when he was deciding between major juniors and college, their contract offer to Moore sealed his choice. Moore signed Tuesday, forfeiting his college eligibility, and will play for the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League in the fall.

Columbus apparently wants Moore in the NHL quickly, which is a reason they signed him to a contract right away. Had another team with a deeper defensive corps drafted Moore, perhaps he would have gone to college. On Tuesday, Moore expressed regret that the rules prevented him from playing college hockey after he signed a pro contract.

Once Columbus offered a contract, CC had little chance. Moore will get a $900,000 base salary once he gets to the NHL, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Aside from money, Kitchener offered the chance to play in about twice as many games in a NHL-style league, and he can go to college part time.

Still, without Columbus’ desire to get Moore to the NHL quickly and willingness to sign him to a contract, perhaps Moore’s decision would have been different.