Report: Blue Jackets, center Ryan Johansen to resume contract talks
The Columbus Blue Jackets will resume contract talks with restricted free agent center Ryan Johansen this weekend, reports the Columbus Dispatch.
The team will reportedly meet with Johansen's agent, Kurt Overhardt, this weekend at the annual prospects tournament. It will be the first time the two sides will have had face to face meetings, and the first time they've discussed a new contract at all in six weeks.
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Johansen is seeking $6.5 million per season, while the team is offering $3.5 million. More from the Dispatch:
“The last time they contacted us, (the offer) wasn’t something that merited further talks,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said.
If Johansen, a restricted free agent, isn’t signed by next Wednesday, he will be asked to vacate his space in the Blue Jackets’ dressing room at Nationwide Arena and to stay away from the building.
Johansen, 22, is coming off a breakout season in which he led Columbus with 33 goals and 63 points. He made his NHL debut with the team in 2011.
The Blue Jackets open training camp Sept. 17 and begin preseason play Sept. 21.
- Ben Estes