Ryan Johansen Saga III

[Nanabijou]

I saw your Stamkos post.

Jarmo's statement indicates his position that this request would break a barrier. A June story in the Dispatch attributes a desire to break this barrier by Overhardt.

I thought it was a pretty direct statement from Jarmo and I support the premise of the 'team-first' mentality, etc. I thought it was a great set of quotes.

That said, I didn't quite understand the stuff Jarmo said about setting a new standard for bridge contracts. Last year Jarmo signed Bob to a 2-year bridge contract coming off his ELC that was larger than the ones given to Duchene, etc. Am I missing something - why doesn't this count? Now, I don't think Bob and Joey are comparable - he could have added that Bob had had a longer track record and Vezina in his back pocket (not to mention an apparent offer from the KHL). I think Bob should be the exception, not the rule, but doesn't he count as someone who's broken the bridge 'barrier'?

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline 4m

Johansen's agent Kurt Overhardt won't respond publicly to GM Jarmo Kekalainen:"I'm trying to work on this thing. I want to get a deal done."

Classy response. Jarmo taking the low road here.

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

Classy response. Jarmo taking the low road here.

I take it as he knows his back is against a wall and he is no more than 36 hours away from needing to get a deal done.

Jarmo isn't taking the low road. He's talking the truth.

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

I thought it was a pretty direct statement from Jarmo and I support the premise of the 'team-first' mentality, etc. I thought it was a great set of quotes.

That said, I didn't quite understand the stuff Jarmo said about setting a new standard for bridge contracts. Last year Jarmo signed Bob to a 2-year bridge contract coming off his ELC that was larger than the ones given to Duchene, etc. Am I missing something - why doesn't this count? Now, I don't think Bob and Joey are comparable - he could have added that Bob had had a longer track record and Vezina in his back pocket (not to mention an apparent offer from the KHL). I think Bob should be the exception, not the rule, but doesn't he count as someone who's broken the bridge 'barrier'?

The barrier isn't the bridge - Joey and his agent agreed to the 2 year term. I don't understand why guys keep brining that up as if it's an issue.

It's about the dollars and the fact that they want Johansen to play huge minutes and be our #1 centerand continue to lead the team in scoring but pay him a yearly salary that compensates him like he's Nick Foligno.

 

[Nanabijou]

The barrier isn't the bridge - Joey and his agent agreed to the 2 year term. I don't understand why guys keep brining that up as if it's an issue.

It's about the dollars and the fact that they want Johansen to play huge minutes and be our #1 centerand continue to lead the team in scoring but pay him a yearly salary that compensates him like he's Nick Foligno.

I know that. I'm pointing out that bridge deals are typically in the 2.75 to 4 M range (Stepan, Duchene, Subban, etc). Jarmo said Overhardt wants to break this barrier. I was pointing out that Bob got a bridge that was significantly higher. I also pointed out why he would be the exception.

 

[KJ Dangler]

That's true, who needs Johansen and his 60+ points of production when we have Mark Letestu centering the third line!

For the short term my guess would be dubinsky, who is close to Johansen in points. For the log term, if Johan continues to embarrass himself with redicolous demands, and demand an elite contract for something he didnt earn, we send his Azz packing for a great return, and get people that want to be here.

 

[DarkandStormy]

Joey is a Blue Jacket.

Technically, he doesn't have a contract with the organization.

 

[EDM]

Z, where is this magic never never land that you live in. Joey is NOT a BleuJacket. he does not have a contract. And will not be allowed in the locker room on Thursday. Joey is also not a BleuJacket because he doe snot believe in the concept of "team". He believes in the concept of "me".

And as for him being a "brat",I hate to break this to you but -- that is an OPINION. JUTS LIKE EVERY WORD YOU WRITE. It does not require "proof". Sorry that the distinction between fact and opinion is so elusive to you.

And since you asked me the question, let me ask you. ONce Joey comes in on his hands and knees and signs the $3.5 million dollar contract rather than the 4 7 million you want to pay him, WILL YOU BE SO EMBARRASSED AS TO REFRAIN FROM FURTHER POSTING ON THIS BOARD?

In fact, why don't you set up a Joey website where you can talk to your self about how elite Joey is? That way the rest of us can focus upon rooting for the Bluejackets rather than an egomaniacal 22 year old brat who played one good season.

 

[Crede777]

If we could get Joey for $50 and a big mac I'd be all for it. More money to spend on other players.

The only way we end up losing Johansen is if he decides he doesn't want to play hockey anymore. I'm not even sure Jarmo would trade him at this point even if Johansen asked.

The "me me me" approach Johansen is taking is antithetical to Blue Jackets hockey. I can't wait to see what happens when Jenner gets his first contract.

 

[TaketheCannoli]

If we could get Joey for $50 and a big mac I'd be all for it. More money to spend on other players.

The only way we end up losing Johansen is if he decides he doesn't want to play hockey anymore. I'm not even sure Jarmo would trade him at this point even if Johansen asked.

The "me me me" approach Johansen is taking is antithetical to Blue Jackets hockey. I can't wait to see what happens when Jenner gets his first contract.

For what it's worth, I question if it's a me,me,me attitude any more than any elite talent. I believe this is a showdown between and agent and a gm. Johansen hired the agent and is allowing Overhardt to do his job.

Overhardt thinks he has a weak team in his sights. Jarmo believes he has to stare the agent down.

It's like watching two gun fighters in a western. Overhardt is Paladin from Have Gun Will Travel. Jarmo is Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke.

For those not old enough to remember the classic tv westerns of the 60s, it sucks to be you

 

[EspenK]

For what it's worth, I question if it's a me,me,me attitude any more than any elite talent. I believe this is a showdown between and agent and a gm. Johansen hired the agent and is allowing Overhardt to do his job.

Overhardt thinks he has a weak team in his sights. Jarmo believes he has to stare the agent down.

It's like watching two gun fighters in a western. Overhardt is Paladin from Have Gun Will Travel. Jarmo is Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke.

For those not old enough to remember the classic tv westerns of the 60s, it sucks to be you

Yep. Jarmo nowhere near the hair to be Paladin.

 

[Kev22]

The drama is pretty good. It's all posturing. Jarmo points the finger at agent, the agent sounds like "who me?" I'm going to paraphrase a line from Lewis Black in Accepted…Business is buyers and sellers, buyers and sellers, pimps and ******, pimps and ******. This situation has gotten to the point where Jarmo is the pimp and Overhardt has become the *****. In the end, it's not about Joey, it's about Jarmo getting the best bargain and Overhardt trying to grease his pockets.

I' ve not taken sides on this, but while I don't totally agree with Jarmo's tactics, it's refreshing to have a GM that won't just dole out ridiculous contracts. I shudder to think what MacLean would have done. Johansen probably would have had a lifetime contract and ownership of Prince Edward Island. Howson would have given a big deal too.

That said, I hope both sides are getting down to business and are finally going to hammer this thing out. I don't really care if it's a bridge deal or long term. I want the best deal for the Jackets that will keep them on the path to being a perennial winner. While the Jackets are not dreadful without Joey, they certainly would continue their rise to prominence with him. Get it done, it's time to poop or get off the pot.

 

[Halfboard]

It's like watching two gun fighters in a western. Overhardt is Paladin from Have Gun Will Travel. Jarmo is Matt Dillon from Gunsmoke.

For those not old enough to remember the classic tv westerns of the 60s, it sucks to be you

My first lunchbox was a Paladin box. Wow, I'm really old.........................

 

[Jackets Woodchuck]

Yep. Jarmo nowhere near the hair to be Paladin.

or the 'stache.

 

[CBJ Tiffin]

Ken Campbell's take...

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/r...y-problem-for-blue-jackets-but-hes-not-alone/

 

[CBJWerenski8]

JD Chimes in, and breaking news: Its not good

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/b...vidson-turns-both-barrels-on-johansens-agent/

“It makes no sense, Davidson said. “When you see numbers that are thrown at us, we shouldn’t even respond. That’s how bad it is. It’s embarrassing. And if the kid sits out, he sits out. I wonder if the agent’s going to pay him his money back that he’s going to lose by sitting out.

“With the numbers they come back with…are so one-sided it’s nonsensical. It’s extortion is what it is. I don’t make this stuff up. I’ve been in this league doing this for a long time now and this one here, it’s baffling is what it is. This one’s baffling. Baffling.”

“If we ever caved to what (Overhardt) is demanding, we’ll all get fired,” Davidson said. “And I take it personal. I don’t understand it. I take it very personal. What’s he trying to do, get us fired? What’s he trying to do? I don’t understand what he’s trying to do.”

Overhardt was given the opportunity to respond to Davidson’s comments and didn’t feel it would be constructive to get into a war of words with the Blue Jackets.

“Instead of focusing on personal attacks and innuendo, the most important thing to us to work in good faith to come to an understanding to make Ryan Johansen a Blue Jacket for years to come,” Overhardt said. “Ryan is committed to playing his role to help the organization continue to build a winning tradition and he has a great deal of respect for his teammates, coaches, ownership and management.”

 

[Fro]

when someone uses the word "extortion" you know there's something bad going on...

 

[DJA]

Ryan needs to fire this clown

 

[Robert]

JD Chimes in, and breaking news: Its not good

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/b...vidson-turns-both-barrels-on-johansens-agent/

When the real General Manager… John Davidson… takes the debate to the public it’s clearly positioning for the final negations… I’m surprised JD is doing this but it is what it is…

The Jackets will sign Joey for whatever he wants, if not the season will be tarnished with bad feelings all around….

JD is simply trying to save money that Joey will more than earn in the next five years…

 

[KJ Dangler]

Joey , better fire that agent and get you azz to camp . With the statements JD and Jarmo are putting out there , u may find yourself playing in Edmonton if you don't get your head straight .

 

[DJA]

The Jackets will sign Joey for whatever he wants,

You seriously believe this after what was just posted....?

 

[CBJWerenski8]

When the real General Manager… John Davidson… takes the debate to the public it’s clearly positioning for the final negations… I’m surprised JD is doing this but it is what it is…

The Jackets will sign Joey for whatever he wants, if not the season will be tarnished with bad feelings all around….

JD is simply trying to save money that Joey will more than earn in the next five years…

Hahahaha... Want to make a bet?

 

[Sore Loser]

The Johansen negotiations to date:

From Jarmo's perspective..



From Johansen's perspective...

Love Austin Powers references ... nicely used.

Still taking the CBJ side of this one. I think Johansen and agent are being unrealistic in what they're asking for. Think of it like this: If we give him $6.5 million a year now, what is it going to take to get him signed in two years, if he does improve by 10-20 points? Are player and agent going to try for $10.5 million a year like Toews and Kane? At which point, is it worth it to keep him, when we can go out and get two players whose statistics add up to a similar total, for the same price?

He should be looking to top out at $7-$8 million in two years, when his bridge deal is done. Giving him that kind of money on the bridge deal literally makes zero sense for the team.

 

[Robert]

You seriously believe this after what was just posted....?

Well, perhaps the "White House" is out but trust me, Ryan Johansen will be a Blue Jacket on opening night in Buffalo October 9th....

The dude is the next 40 goal scorer in the NHL if there are any of those guys left... And Davidson knows it!

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Well, perhaps the "White House" is out but trust me, Ryan Johansen will be a Blue Jacket on opening night in Buffalo October 9th....

The dude is the next 40 goal scorer in the NHL if there are any of those guys left...

Hope you're right. I thought so too, before the statements that JD/JK released.