Blue Jackets president Davidson describes resumed talks with Johansen's agent as 'civil'
The often chilly contract negotiations between the Columbus Blue Jackets and franchise center Ryan Johansen resumed this week, and while progress is reportedly still slow in coming, at least the resumed talks are "civil", according to Blue Jackets president John Davidson via Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
That's a significant departure from the tone of Davidson's comments several weeks ago, when he blasted Johansen's agent Kurt Overhardt for "extortion". Also something of a departure for the Blue Jackets, an apparent willingness to lock Johansen up long-term:
John Davidson says "any sort of deal" with Ryan Johansen would interest #CBJ. Short term or long term.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 30, 2014
Johansen, 21, scored over 30 goals and notched north of 60 points in the final year of his entry-level contract during the 2013-14 season. His contributions were central for a Blue Jackets organization that qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs for only the second time in franchise history. The Blue Jackets even won a playoff game for the first time since they joined the NHL at the beginning of the 2000-01 campaign.