The Columbus Blue Jackets have yet to begin arguably their most important task this off-season.
According to Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts column, Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen and Ryan Johansen's agent Kurt Overhardt have not had discussions regarding a new contract.
7. While Overhardt was trapped on the phone, I did ask him about another client, Ryan Johansen. Overhardt said talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets would begin shortly. Then, he hung up before I came up with anything else.
It's still early in the off-season, but you'd think Kekalainen would look to take care of business soon to a) avoid any possible offer sheet in July and; b) know the team's financial situation and how much cap space is available the rest of the summer.
Overhardt did say talks will begin soon and Johansen doesn't have much leverage in negotiations being an RFA, so something should get done relatively quick.
Johansen only has one quality season under his belt, but he is bordering on star-level, and carried Columbus all season, so it'll be interesting to see what his next contract comes in at.
Right now it's tough to make a comparison with him, because there aren't many guys who've had similar paths to the NHL.
**
Jackets posts:
Devils posts
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email: NHLToddCordell@Gmail.com