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While talks with the team's No. 1 center Ryan Johansen are at a standstill, Jarmo Kekalainen wisely used his time getting another one of their core players signed to a long-term deal.

That player is Brandon Dubinsky, who has put pen to paper on a six-year extension worth $5.85 million per season that will keep him a Blue Jacket through 2020-21.

Dubinsky was set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and the team obviously decided it was important to get him signed early rather than waiting with the risk of losing him.

Contract talks were rumored to begin only a week ago, so obviously there was some urgency and willingness from both sides to get this done quick.

The 28-year-old center is coming off a 50 point campaign where he was a key contributor in all aspects of the game, and the team obviously views him as a pivotal part of the future.

I'll have more on this tomorrow.

Jackets posts

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Jackets extend Corey Tropp

Brian Gibbons signing a good one for Columbus

Blue Jackets draft review

Devils posts

Devils extend Cory Schneider

On Evander Kane and the constant trade rumors

Forwards for futures

Devils draft review

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