Negotiations between the Blue Jackets and Ryan Johansen, that have seemingly gone on forever, may soon be concluded.
While there's still work to be done, it seems that Johansen's camp has stepped away from their demands of a long-term contract, which was a sticking point early on.
Told agent for #CBJ C Ryan Johansen has 2- and 4-year proposals on table. Hasn't been much communication between two sides lately.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 7, 2014#CBJ want nothing to do w a 4-year deal, as that would guide Johansen right up to UFA status. They have 2- and 3-year proposals on table.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 7, 2014So, Johansen wants a two-year deal - presumably relatively lucrative - or a four-year deal that takes him to free agency so he can hit a home run on the open market.
Jarmo Kekalainen wasn't born yesterday and surely won't give him a four-year deal, so my money is on a two-year deal worth a little more dough than Kekalainen would prefer to give.
The Blue Jackets have tons of cap flexibility so giving a little extra cash on the short-term isn't a big deal. Johansen would still be a RFA so they can negotiate a long-term deal then should he earn one.
I don't think the limited amount of communication lately is something to worry about. They're both aware of what each side wants, and this latest stalemate, per se, is likely Johansen's last negotiating ploy to try and earn a little more cash before signing closer to the season.
When all is said and done, Johansen will be suiting up for the Blue Jackets. It's just a matter of for how long.
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