The Columbus Blue Jackets are facing an increasingly challenging situation with the Josh Anderson contract talks. Do they compare to Ryan Johansen’s situation in 2014?
First of not really. Well, kind of sort of. The Columbus Blue Jackets face an increasingly tougher situation with Anderson’s contract that shares some resemblance to Johansen’s. But not nearly as bad and one that will ultimately not destroy a relationship.
A huge difference is the level of talent. Certainly Josh Anderson is a good young player but is not the same level as Johansen. Anderson isn’t a center either which makes the slim possibility of losing him less worrisome for the Jackets.
Josh Anderson also has only has one full season in the NHL where Johansen had two plus. Johansen was also a year younger than Anderson is now.
More from Union and Blue
- Blaming Columbus Blue Jacket Players for Babcock Fallout is Unfair
- The Mike Babcock Experiment in Columbus Has Failed
- Blue Jacket Prospects Win Traverse City Tournament: Who Stood Out?
- Mike Babcock Resigns as CBJ Head Coach: Reaction
- New Claims Bring Higher Level of Concern to Babcock Situation
Also the talks have been much more amicable–at least from what we are hearing publicly. Talks just have become somewhat contentious in the last few days.
But both certainly are coming down the wire. Johansen missed most of training camp and Anderson looks like he will miss at least the first few days. Anderson is reportedly training in Switzerland until he gets the deal he wants.
But Jarmo and JD have proven in the past that they offer what they think is fair and don’t move too far from that. Either Anderson is going to cave to the deal offered, or Columbus Blue Jackets fans may not see him on the ice this season.
All of this pressure is compounded by the fact that the prospects in the farm system look ready to perform. Thurkauf, Dubois, Abramov, Milano and Hannakainen look like they could all play for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Next: Anderson Should be Trade Bait
So it isn’t the Ryan Johansen situation, but it’s not far from it.