Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Contract talks between Jarmo Kekalainen and Ryan Johansen's camp haven't been going well, and as such
they've hit a standstill.
I've sort of beaten this horse to death, but from Day 1 I said this would be a tricky negotation because Johansen is looking to cash in on last season's success and sign a long-term deal, while the Jackets want a bridge prove-it contract. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that, well, the two sides couldn't be farther apart.
I think that note from Aaron Portzline more or less confirms what we've all suspected. Initial offers were made, neither side liked what they saw and now they're going to sit on it. This has always been a negotiation that would take time, so it's not exactly shocking to see it drag out.
When you factor in that only a handful of teams are able to offer sheet Johansen (many don't have cap space or the draft picks necessary for compensation) there's not much urgency to get this done from the Blue Jackets perspective.
They have cap space so they can match anything should an offer sheet come, so Kekalainen has the leverage here and he's smart to use it.
I think ultimately what we'll see is Kekalainen will budge a little bit on the dollars, but will make sure Johansen accepts a short-term deal.
Only time will tell, and we might have to wait a while.
Jackets posts
Jackets extend Corey Tropp
Brian Gibbons signing a good one for Columbus
Blue Jackets begin contract talks with Dubinsky, Bobrovsky
Potential offer sheet to Johansen no real threat to Jackets
Blue Jackets draft review
Blue Jackets should listen to offers for Jack Johnson
Blue Jackets prospect data: Rychel, Bjorkstrand dominant in 13-14
Devils posts
On the signing of Martin Havlat
On the signing of Mike Cammalleri
Devils close to extension with Cory Schneider
Forwards for futures
Devils draft review
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: [email protected]
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»