Ryan Johansen II (contract etc)

[Cash for Nash]

wow...we'd never had a #1 center or a playoff win in our entire franchise history...then this kid comes along, dominates, emerges as a number one center, and we make the playoffs and actually win a couple games and have the first respectable, put us on-the-map season in franchise history...and now "fans" like you are complaining about made up garbage like "body language" and are upset that he may have "floated" as a 20 year old adjusting to the NHL? And who cares what happened in the AHL 2+ years ago? How is that even relevant after what he proved this year? It's not.

You are without a doubt the most condesending, arrogant, cynical poster on this board. And additionally you are 100% RIGHT! I don't get the belittling of Johansen at all. The attitude and passion stuff is garbage and needs to be put to bed. This guy is the best thing that has ever happened to the CBJ.

 

[alphafox]

I'm betting a hold out for a week of training camp. At that point I imagine there will be enough pressure on Johansen that he will cave. He will have a down year due to a slow start and possibly struggle due to lack of conditioning. Next comes the rebound year and another summer of forum posts just like this thread.

 

[KJ Dangler]

Semantics, but the AHL ordeal was just last year. Not really a big deal to me, as I'm pretty sure he learned from that. I've never seen Joey as a floater either, nor have I seen him devoid of passion. He's always been active defensively, and players who aren't passionate about the game usually don't care about playing good D.

However, he's still not worth what he's asking for. I think most everyone can agree he's worth roughly $5.5 mil. Giving him any more would be like giving your screaming toddler that toy he really wants just to shut him up. But just as you can't spoil a tot, you can't spoil a 21 year old who is on the cusp of becoming great.

Yep, I would give him no more than 5 mill, for the next 2 years, and if he continues to develop, he will be paid handsomely with his next contract. Joey needs to get his head out of his arse, by his logic, it sounds like the Bluejackets should be owed money back from him for his lack of production for the years prior to last year. I like the dude, but not sold at all that he can maintain the production of last year. Honestly, how could we, when you look at the prior season, and he was sent to ahl, and benched for his attitude during the playoffs. Jarmo, gave bob 5.5 mil I believe for a 2 year deal, and told him to go out and earn it. Bob is doing just that. To ask for 7 mill plus is just insulting. Will be interesting to see what Jarmo does, my sense, he doesnt blink

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

Semantics, but the AHL ordeal was just last year. Not really a big deal to me, as I'm pretty sure he learned from that. I've never seen Joey as a floater either, nor have I seen him devoid of passion. He's always been active defensively, and players who aren't passionate about the game usually don't care about playing good D.

However, he's still not worth what he's asking for. I think most everyone can agree he's worth roughly $5.5 mil. Giving him any more would be like giving your screaming toddler that toy he really wants just to shut him up. But just as you can't spoil a tot, you can't spoil a 21 year old who is on the cusp of becoming great.

Comparing the best and most exciting player on the time to a screaming toddler, all because his agent is doing his job. Real classy.

The "he's not worth asking for" argument holds no water with IHZ. Most players aren't paid exactly what they're worth, production wise...Nathan Horton? Scott Hartnell? James Wisniewski? Jared Boll? All overpaid and all with declining production and around or above age 30.

So excuse me but the Jackets won't implode if they overpay a young Ryan Johansen. Better they overpay a young guy, who plays the most important position on the team, who has a ton of upside and 50 goal potential, and a very likelihood of getting better over the course of the deal, then overpay another veteran.

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

You are without a doubt the most condesending, arrogant, cynical poster on this board. And additionally you are 100% RIGHT! I don't get the belittling of Johansen at all. The attitude and passion stuff is garbage and needs to be put to bed. This guy is the best thing that has ever happened to the CBJ.

 

[thebus2288*]

wow...we'd never had a #1 center or a playoff win in our entire franchise history...then this kid comes along, dominates, emerges as a number one center, and we make the playoffs and actually win a couple games and have the first respectable, put us on-the-map season in franchise history...and now "fans" like you are complaining about made up garbage like "body language" and are upset that he may have "floated" as a 20 year old adjusting to the NHL? And who cares what happened in the AHL 2+ years ago? How is that even relevant after what he proved this year? It's not.

Getting away from the mindset of being Rick Nash AND the Bluejackets along with adding legit depth throughout our lineup is what got us to where the Bluejackets are today. Not Ryan Johansen carrying us on his back. Some of you seem to want to go back to overhyping 1 player, and make it Ryan Johansen AND the Bluejackets. We've had plenty of good players play in Columbus but overall as a team, both skill and depth, the teams have been very bad besides just a few years. Johansen IS a big part of the change, but you have to realize just how much better(in all aspects) our team really is and has been THE LAST 2(TWO) YEARS compared to all of the rest.


You say this year was our "1st respectable year", won some playoff games, blah blah, etc...and it was all because of Johansen dominating and emerging as the 1st line center we've never had. We finished essentially 3(THREE) points higher than we did in 2013, when we were playing in the tougher conference, toughest division in the league, and best team in the league 4-5? times. Now I know all the new RyJo fanboys will come in here quick and talk about how he was out there shutting down Kopitar and Getzlaf all year, but how much did his 12pts in 40 games help us get to the playoffs? If he would've "emerged" for 1-2 weeks(3-4 games) that year we easily could have made the playoffs.


What happened in the AHL 15 months ago is 110% relevant. "My Boy" Brandon Dubinsky has been our "#1" center the last couple years, and HE is the 1(ONE) player that you should be thanking for the turnaround of the team AND maybe even the change in or the "emergence" of Ryan Johansen.

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

Getting away from the mindset of being Rick Nash AND the Bluejackets along with adding legit depth throughout our lineup is what got us to where the Bluejackets are today. Not Ryan Johansen carrying us on his back. Some of you seem to want to go back to overhyping 1 player, and make it Ryan Johansen AND the Bluejackets. We've had plenty of good players play in Columbus but overall as a team, both skill and depth, the teams have been very bad besides just a few years. Johansen IS a big part of the change, but you have to realize just how much better(in all aspects) our team really is and has been THE LAST 2(TWO) YEARS compared to all of the rest.


You say this year was our "1st respectable year", won some playoff games, blah blah, etc...and it was all because of Johansen dominating and emerging as the 1st line center we've never had. We finished essentially 3(THREE) points higher than we did in 2013, when we were playing in the tougher conference, toughest division in the league, and best team in the league 4-5? times. Now I know all the new RyJo fanboys will come in here quick and talk about how he was out there shutting down Kopitar and Getzlaf all year, but how much did his 12pts in 40 games help us get to the playoffs? If he would've "emerged" for 1-2 weeks(3-4 games) that year we easily could have made the playoffs.


What happened in the AHL 15 months ago is 110% relevant. "My Boy" Brandon Dubinsky has been our "#1" center the last couple years, and HE is the 1(ONE) player that you should be thanking for the turnaround of the team AND maybe even the change in or the "emergence" of Ryan Johansen.

I love Dubie but he's not a #1 center in the eyes of anyone but the D-Mac Lunch Pail Brigade, who hate on all skill players (Johansen, Gaborik, Anisimov) and overstate the importance of the bottom 6.

It's completely laughable that you're trying to discredit the teams playoff run because of the point differential form the previous season, and on top of that, taking shots at Joey for not emerging SOONER! Better trade the kid, he didn't put up 50 goals and shut down the best players in the league as a 21 year old adjusting to the NHL and not getting top 6 minutes! Puh-Leeeeeze.

 

[EspenK]

I love Dubie but he's not a #1 center in the eyes of anyone but the D-Mac Lunch Pail Brigade, who hate on all skill players (Johansen, Gaborik, Anisimov) and overstate the importance of the bottom 6.

It's completely laughable that you're trying to discredit the teams playoff run because of the point differential form the previous season, and on top of that, taking shots at Joey for not emerging SOONER! Better trade the kid, he didn't put up 50 goals and shut down the best players in the league as a 21 year old adjusting to the NHL and not getting top 6 minutes! Puh-Leeeeeze.

Anisimov is a skill player? He keeps it well hidden. Please spread the word so when we trade him we'll get a better than expected return.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Anisimov is a skill player? He keeps it well hidden. Please spread the word so when we trade him we'll get a better than expected return.

Anisimov is arguably the most skilled forward on our team after Johansen.

 

[EspenK]

Anisimov is arguably the most skilled forward on our team after Johansen.

Which isn't saying much. KInd of like saying next to early March, February is the nicest winter month. I highly doubt if you asked around the hockey world Anisimov would be classified as a skill player. Good all around guy yes, skilled guy I don't think so.

 

[Crede777]

Semantics, but the AHL ordeal was just last year. Not really a big deal to me, as I'm pretty sure he learned from that. I've never seen Joey as a floater either, nor have I seen him devoid of passion. He's always been active defensively, and players who aren't passionate about the game usually don't care about playing good D.

However, he's still not worth what he's asking for. I think most everyone can agree he's worth roughly $5.5 mil. Giving him any more would be like giving your screaming toddler that toy he really wants just to shut him up. But just as you can't spoil a tot, you can't spoil a 21 year old who is on the cusp of becoming great.

Agreed.

I love Johansen as a player and rock his Jersey when I can. That said, we must operate within reality. The reality is if you have 1 good statistical season, you don't get rewarded all that much for it. Bob won the Vezina and was by far our MVP in 2013 and all he got was a 2 year bridge for around $13 million.

All those fans on the main board saying "CBJ fans are crazy, Johansen has only had 1 good year. He's no Joe Thornton or Ryan Getzlaf yet" are right. And that's the stance that the CBJ front office is taking.

 

[CBJx614]

Havent been on a destop to post this correctly, but this thread is severly lacking this..



I could watch that all day long, he gets off some pretty wicked shots. I really think Johansen is the one who benefits the most from the Nash trade. He didnt fully develop the "pass it to Nash" syndrome, and then this year it seems he finally started to play more with more confidence in himself and his abilities instead of relying on someone else. I think he still has another tier to reach his potential and having a full year(knock on wood) of Jenner/Hartnell and Horton will help tremendously. They seem to click so well out there and set up plays beautifully.

 

[CBJfan4evr]

Yep, I would give him no more than 5 mill, for the next 2 years, and if he continues to develop, he will be paid handsomely with his next contract. Joey needs to get his head out of his arse, by his logic, it sounds like the Bluejackets should be owed money back from him for his lack of production for the years prior to last year. I like the dude, but not sold at all that he can maintain the production of last year. Honestly, how could we, when you look at the prior season, and he was sent to ahl, and benched for his attitude during the playoffs. Jarmo, gave bob 5.5 mil I believe for a 2 year deal, and told him to go out and earn it. Bob is doing just that. To ask for 7 mill plus is just insulting. Will be interesting to see what Jarmo does, my sense, he doesnt blink

So Bob got 5.5 and had the same sort of pedigree as Johansen. Dubi got 5.85 as our number 2 C. Seems like something slightly more than the 5.85 in year 1, say 5.95 with year 2 of 6.25 would be about right. numbers basically mimic what we gave to Bob last year with a bit of inflationary factor built in. We pay him a bit more that Dubi to calm his ego about being the number 1 C. The way the cap is going these are going to be bargain numbers in about 4 years time.

 

[major major]

Agreed.

I love Johansen as a player and rock his Jersey when I can. That said, we must operate within reality. The reality is if you have 1 good statistical season, you don't get rewarded all that much for it. Bob won the Vezina and was by far our MVP in 2013 and all he got was a 2 year bridge for around $13 million.

All those fans on the main board saying "CBJ fans are crazy, Johansen has only had 1 good year. He's no Joe Thornton or Ryan Getzlaf yet" are right. And that's the stance that the CBJ front office is taking.

$11m, actually, which is about where Joey should be for a two year deal, IMO. I am very rarely so confident that a player with 1 good year will be a stud, but with Joey, I am very confident, so I wouldn't mind if we eventually signed him to a bigger deal. But for now, Joey just hasn't earned it yet.

 

[major major]

I could watch that all day long, he gets off some pretty wicked shots. I really think Johansen is the one who benefits the most from the Nash trade. He didnt fully develop the "pass it to Nash" syndrome, and then this year it seems he finally started to play more with more confidence in himself and his abilities instead of relying on someone else. I think he still has another tier to reach his potential and having a full year(knock on wood) of Jenner/Hartnell and Horton will help tremendously. They seem to click so well out there and set up plays beautifully.

Thanks for sharing that, it's a pleasure to watch.

The thing that definitely stands out is the amazing shot. He didn't have that when Nash was here (he didn't have the speed either). Joey's new size/strength is what allows him to shoot and skate like that.

Also, keep in mind it was Foligno who set him up more than anyone else, and those two also have the best with you/without you numbers. I'm sorry I have to keep reminding people of this.

 

[CBJx614]

Thanks for sharing that, it's a pleasure to watch.

The thing that definitely stands out is the amazing shot. He didn't have that when Nash was here (he didn't have the speed either). Joey's new size/strength is what allows him to shoot and skate like that.

Also, keep in mind it was Foligno who set him up more than anyone else, and those two also have the best with you/without you numbers. I'm sorry I have to keep reminding people of this.

Yeah Foligno and Jenner had some really nice setups.

 

[KJ Dangler]

So Bob got 5.5 and had the same sort of pedigree as Johansen. Dubi got 5.85 as our number 2 C. Seems like something slightly more than the 5.85 in year 1, say 5.95 with year 2 of 6.25 would be about right. numbers basically mimic what we gave to Bob last year with a bit of inflationary factor built in. We pay him a bit more that Dubi to calm his ego about being the number 1 C. The way the cap is going these are going to be bargain numbers in about 4 years time.

Bob won the vezina, and wasn't sent to the ahl the year prior only to be benched . Dubinsky has had 3 50 point seasons the last 3 seasons, and in my eyes was the leader of culture change for the cbj. Johansen had point totals of 21, 12, yes 12, and 63 . Which over past 3 seasons that averages 33 points per season. Does that scream a 6 million per year contract ?

 

[CBJfan4evr]

Bob won the vezina, and wasn't sent to the ahl the year prior only to be benched . Dubinsky has had 3 50 point seasons the last 3 seasons, and in my eyes was the leader of culture change for the cbj. Johansen had point totals of 21, 12, yes 12, and 63 . Which over past 3 seasons that averages 33 points per season. Does that scream a 6 million per year contract ?

Bob was looking for a home trying to establish himself as a starting goaltender. I see his Vezina year paralleling Joey's 30 goal campaign. Both are players with alot of upside. In fact Many had the similar concerns about making him earn a longer term contract. Joey is in a similar situation. He has recanted and is willing to go for the shorter term. Pay him a comparable salary to Bob. As for Dubi he is a big part of the culture change but is no way a #1 C. Many would say we overpaid for him. His contract $ will trend toward the mean for a #2 as salaries continue to escalate. Based on last year's production alone Joey deserves a comparable salary for the short term. If he earns it he will far surpass Dubi in a few years.

 

[WannabeFinn]

Bob won the vezina, and wasn't sent to the ahl the year prior only to be benched . Dubinsky has had 3 50 point seasons the last 3 seasons, and in my eyes was the leader of culture change for the cbj. Johansen had point totals of 21, 12, yes 12, and 63 . Which over past 3 seasons that averages 33 points per season. Does that scream a 6 million per year contract ?

he's only had 2 in his career

 

[Cyclones Rock]

Bob won the vezina, and wasn't sent to the ahl the year prior only to be benched . Dubinsky has had 3 50 point seasons the last 3 seasons, and in my eyes was the leader of culture change for the cbj. Johansen had point totals of 21, 12, yes 12, and 63 . Which over past 3 seasons that averages 33 points per season. Does that scream a 6 million per year contract ?

Last season was a breakout year. The previous two seasons were introductions to the NHL for Johansen

Most players aren't in the NHL before the age of 21. Johansen was ELEVENTH in the NHL in goals with 33. Using "averaging" is completely irrelevant in making an evaluation of Johansen, let alone any 18 or 19 year old who goes straight from the CHL to the NHL.

Johansen is already an exceptional defensive player, far more polished than his age would suggest. He has a goal scoring range of 40 feet or so. He has the ability to play physically with an edge. He skates well. He sees the ice well. He played well in the playoffs.

It all came together for him last year. Last year is the only season one needs to look at when it comes to evaluating Ryan Johansen. The whole hockey world sees this except for Jarmo Kekelainen.

Jarmo dropped the ball with the Vezina winner by opting for a bridge deal. It will cost much more to secure Bob than it would have had he been sensibly signed to a 5 or 6 year deal instead of a "bridge". He's dropping the ball with Johansen. He'll likely drop it once again with Ryan Murray next year.

But, he's more than ready to sign damaged-goods UFAs who are approaching 30 to long term, big money deals. Part of me hopes that someone presents a $7 million offer sheet to Johansen in order to force the organization's hand.

Johansen could have been signed to a 5 or 6 year deal for a little less than $6 million per just a short time ago, before salaries moved upwards with the higher cap. A bridge deal will be a Pyrrhic victory for the team. The ultimate financial cost of Kekelainen's unwillingness to do what most other team's would have done with Johansen will be upwards of $2 million per year when all is said and done. Instead of signing a bonafide #1 center at a discount, the Jackets will end up paying a premium.
.

 

[CBJfan4evr]

Last season was a breakout year. The previous two seasons were introductions to the NHL for Johansen

Most players aren't in the NHL before the age of 21. Johansen was ELEVENTH in the NHL in goals with 33. Using "averaging" is completely irrelevant in making an evaluation of Johansen, let alone any 18 or 19 year old who goes straight from the CHL to the NHL.

Johansen is already an exceptional defensive player, far more polished than his age would suggest. He has a goal scoring range of 40 feet or so. He has the ability to play physically with an edge. He skates well. He sees the ice well. He played well in the playoffs.

It all came together for him last year. Last year is the only season one needs to look at when it comes to evaluating Ryan Johansen. The whole hockey world sees this except for Jarmo Kekelainen.

Jarmo dropped the ball with the Vezina winner by opting for a bridge deal. It will cost much more to secure Bob than it would have had he been sensibly signed to a 5 or 6 year deal instead of a "bridge". He's dropping the ball with Johansen. He'll likely drop it once again with Ryan Murray next year.

But, he's more than ready to sign damaged-goods UFAs who are approaching 30 to long term, big money deals. Part of me hopes that someone presents a $7 million offer sheet to Johansen in order to force the organization's hand.

Johansen could have been signed to a 5 or 6 year deal for a little less than $6 million per just a short time ago, before salaries moved upwards with the higher cap. A bridge deal will be a Pyrrhic victory for the team. The ultimate financial cost of Kekelainen's unwillingness to do what most other team's would have done with Johansen will be upwards of $2 million per year when all is said and done. Instead of signing a bonafide #1 center at a discount, the Jackets will end up paying a premium.
.

Using your examples we can see the strategy and associated additional cost for these using bridge contracts (Bob, Johansen, Murray, Wennberg?, on and on...) could end up costing the Jackets 6-10 million dollars in 3-5 years. That thought aside looking specifically at Johansen I think you've got to pay market. In my mind a 30 goal scorer on the open market easily fetches 6 mil.

 

[EspenK]

Maybe the long term cost is not a primary concern. Maybe controlling him for say the next 10 years rather than 5 or 6 is the motivation. Plus hedging against him regressing/not progressing over the next 2 years. The bridge is the way to go. $4 mill is too low a $ amount though. 5.5 and git her done.

 

[cslebn]

All those fans on the main board saying "CBJ fans are crazy, Johansen has only had 1 good year. He's no Joe Thornton or Ryan Getzlaf yet" are right. And that's the stance that the CBJ front office is taking.

Interestingly enough, the other half of the people on the mains are calling us crazy for not signing him to 6-7 mil a year.

 

[cslebn]

Johansen could have been signed to a 5 or 6 year deal for a little less than $6 million per just a short time ago, before salaries moved upwards with the higher cap. A bridge deal will be a Pyrrhic victory for the team. The ultimate financial cost of Kekelainen's unwillingness to do what most other team's would have done with Johansen will be upwards of $2 million per year when all is said and done. Instead of signing a bonafide #1 center at a discount, the Jackets will end up paying a premium.
.

Honest question, because many of us have been making the assumption that long term (ala 6+ years) is an option. Really, is there an sources stating Joey would actually sign a long term?

All the press statements seem focused around 2 and 4 year deals. This is likely negotiating tactics but it doesn't seem like either side was interested in a a 6 mil for 6-8 years now kind of deal.

 

[BluejacketNut]

You may not get the chance to control him for 10 years. The team has the ability to control him for whatever the remaining years of RFA status, outside of that its 100% the choice of Johanson if he chooses to stay with the team. If relations continue to be chilled, much like the ROR relationship in Colorado, once he hits UFA status he can say I want $11m per year to play in Columbus. Now of course general you's comment will be "he's not worth that" and possibly so, but that may be what he says it will cost to play for this organization. He very well may decide to sign in Vancouver for $7m or $8m. If Joey is smart he signs the the bridge and then if he continues to improve, he takes us to the cleaners in each negotiation for a contract. At least that's what I would do if i felt slighted, regardless of the reason. The Bob and Joey deal has the chance to really blow up in JK's face as far as costs go.