- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets felt it was good idea to disclose the three offers they made to Ryan Johansen to show some much-needed transparency.
“I think the reason for that is ‘hey, lets’ be transparent about what we’ve done and how we’ve exhausted every option,’” Kekalainen said. “Otherwise, it’s just talk. We could say, ‘yes we’ve tried everything,’ but unless (the media) knows exactly what that was, it might be hard to believe.”
“I think the reason for that is ‘hey, lets’ be transparent about what we’ve done and how we’ve exhausted every option,’” Kekalainen said. “Otherwise, it’s just talk. We could say, ‘yes we’ve tried everything,’ but unless (the media) knows exactly what that was, it might be hard to believe.”
Johansen declined offers of: two-years and $6 million, six-years and $32 million and eight-years at $46 million.
Agent Kurt Overhardt on the Blue Jackets comments from yesterday.
“I don’t ever talk about numbers with the media,” Overhardt told TSN 1050 Toronto radio this afternoon. “If you look back at the 25 years I’ve been representing players, I never make a public forum out of numbers.”
“This is a business deal for a young man that is obviously just beginning to burgeon in his career,” he said. “It’s business and it’s private. It’s between Ryan Johansen and the Blue Jackets. It’s unfortunate, but I was raised to have integrity in what I do, by the people who raised me. It’s unfortunate that they’ve taken this course, but we’re just going to ignore it and try to work in good faith to get a deal done.”
- Aaron Portzline: (answering question) Teams have probably contacted the Blue Jackets about Ryan Johansen, but the Blue Jackets have said they won’t trade him.
- Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: “If there is a renegade team, and renegade by doing what is allowed to you in the CBA, then Columbus would find a way to match.”
- Aaron Portzline: Ryan Johansen didn’t leave town in a huff. The Blue Jackets had asked him not to be around training camp if he didn’t have a contract.
- Aaron Portzline: When the Blue Jackets started talks with Ryan Johansen, they didn’t consider a long-term deal and Johansen didn’t want any part of a “slap in the face” bridge contract. Johansen’s camp then said they’d be okay with a bridge deal. Earlier this month, Johansen then shows up on great shape and the Blue Jackets are now willing to do a long-term deal.
- Aaron Portzline: If they were able to go long-term … if Johansen is wanting $6.5 million on a bridge deal, what will he want on a long-term deal? $8 million on a six- or eight-year deal?
- Hope Smoke: Ray Ferraro: “I think CBJ wants to know what they have before they give him the keys to the car.” … “There is nobody to replace Johansen as the #1 C. You just don’t find these guys that often.” … “To me if they can nudge that 2 year deal up a little bit that’s fairest for both sides. If you believe in yourself bet on yourself.”
- Fan 590: Audio of John Davidson on Prime Time Sports.