Today the news broke that highly touted defensive prospect Mike Reilly would not be signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets (for great background on that check out our coverage here). The news was not out long until Columbus Blue Jackets center and core player Ryan Johansen made his opinion known on the subject.
We didn't want him anyway
— Ryan Johansen (@RyanJohansen19) June 17, 2015
For Columbus Blue Jackets fans this is an encouraging sign. Just last off-season Johansen seemed like the last player that would be firing a shot like this in defense of his franchise. Last year the contract negotiations between Johansen and the Columbus Blue Jackets management were very contentious. They even reached a point when team President John Davidson publicly released details on the offers they made to Johansen.
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Fast forward about ten months and now that a highly touted prospect has chosen to not make Columbus his home Johansen felt the need to say something about it. As a Columbus Blue Jackets fan I am left to wonder what has led to this turn around.
Could it have something to do with his experience in the city during the All-Star game? Was the massive support from the fans during his performance in the “Breakaway Challenge” a confirmation that Columbus was the place for him.
Was he swayed by the team signing one of his favorite teammates, Cam Atkinson, to an extension when he was rumored to be traded a defining moment? During last off season he saw the business side of hockey up close and personal for the first time, maybe knowing one of his best friends will remain in town with him has warmed him to Columbus.
It could also be the crucible that the whole team experienced which was the year of injuries. The team jelled in a way that incredible from the first game to the last and the team naming Nick Foligno as captain may have cemented their identity.
For whatever reason it was done I’m glad that Johansen has chosen to look at the Columbus Blue Jackets as a franchise that he can take pride in.
Next: Columbus Blue Jackets Prospect Reilly Will Not Sign