The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly ready to start training camp without Ryan Johansen. According to an article seen in the Columbus Dispatch, the club has already started planning on life without Johansen in the lineup. Conversations have been held regarding how the team will move forward should Johansen remain unsigned.
Here’s the portion of the article in question:
At this point, it seems highly unlikely Johansen will be on the ice at the start of training camp. Overhardt will use that as leverage, as he has many, many times with clients in the last decade, including Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky in 2009 when he played for the New York Rangers.
The Blue Jackets, thus, must be prepared to play without Johansen in the lineup. They’ve already had discussions to that end.
This shouldn’t be surprising. Considering we’re quickly closing in on training camp and Johansen remains unsigned, the Blue Jackets have to prepare for the worst. The two sides may reach a deal before camp or before the season starts, but the Blue Jackets need some sort of contingency plan should things remain on their current path.
We’ve already discussed how the Blue Jackets are playing a dangerous game with Johansen. Now it appears that they’re wisely preparing for the worst. How will this situation pan out? Stay tuned.
