Report: Blue Jackets, Johansen closing the gap in contract talks

Agent Kurt Overhardt's hard-line stance appears to be softening. 

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting the Columbus Blue Jackets and center Ryan Johansen are now just $1.7 million apart in contract negotiations after a $3-million standstill over the weekend. 

Portzline says that Johansen's camp has reduced its original offer by more than $2 million per season with training camp now in full swing. 

Sputtering negotiations seemed to reach the breaking point last week when club president John Davidson announced Columbus' numerous contract offers to reporters and accused Overhardt of "extortion."