On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Defenseman Seth Jones is a pending restricted free agent, and despite Boone Jenner and Ryan Murray signing bridge deals, don’t expect one for Jones.
Morgan Rielly’s six year, $30 million contract will likely be the starting point.
They have only had preliminary talks, but talks are expected to pick up soon.
“I don’t anticipate any problems,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen told The Dispatch. “We’ll find a deal that works for us and a deal that works for Seth Jones.”
The Blue Jackets already sit at $66.5 million, not including Jones, William Karlsson and Zach Werenski.
Metro Division – Salary Cap and Free agents for each team in the next two years
The Blue Jackets tried to trade Scott Hartnell ($4.75 million through 2018-19) and Fedor Tyutin ($4.5 million through 2017-18) at the deadline and will likely try to do so again this offseason.
David Clarkson could be a LTIR possibility.
The Blue Jackets could consider buying out Jared Boll who is owed $1.7 million next year.
“We will have plenty of different options this summer come July 1,” Kekalainen said. “We will have enough cap space to sign Seth Jones.”
On the Dallas Stars …
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) On a buyout for both Kari Lehtonen and Antti Niemi – “Lehtonen’s buyout is $1.815 million for four years, and Antti Niemi’s is $1.485 million for four years. Combined would be $3.3 million per year for the next four seasons and you have to pay to replace both. That’s not going to happen.”
Heika on the chances of the Stars bringing both Lehtonen and Niemi back next year – “I actually think that could happen, and keep looking for a goalie during the season – maybe swing a deal at the trade deadline.”
Heika on if anyone would trade for Lehtonen or Niemi, and without the Stars retaining salary – “I would say no. Or maybe…but only if you took one of big contracts back. It would be a tricky deal.”