Aaron Portzline of The Athletic notes that as of July 1, the Columbus Blue Jackets can sign defenseman Seth Jones to a long-term contract extension. Portzline adds that not only will they try, but the team might be prepared to throw everything, plus the kitchen sink at the blueliner in an effort to not only get him to stay, but erase any doubt there was ever a question he would.
Related: Oilers to Talk New Contracts With Larsson, Barrie Next Week
Portzline points out that Jones has said he is open to a new deal and it is believed Jarmo Kekalainen absolutely wants to keep the Norris Trophy-candidate defenseman around. But, it’s not quite that simple.
With everything that is going on in Columbus these days and with how much Jones controls his future with the team, Kekalainen is going to have to take a different approach to extending the free agent than he’s typically accustomed to.
Portzline writes:
Kekalainen likes to talk about “using the hammer” in negotiations, but Jones will hold a sledgehammer in these talks given the amount of talent that has left the organization and the reputation the Blue Jackets have developed as a franchise that can’t hang on to top players.
The scribe adds that considering how much leverage the 26-year-old Jones has, the Blue Jackets may have to approach negotiations with the mindset that they have no choice but to make him the highest-paid defensemen in the league. The emphasis should be on flattery, not just fairness…
How Much Might Jones Be Worth?
Portzline suggests the Blue Jackets might have to not just go eight years and $80- $88 million, but start there. That kind of offer will ensure Jones knows the team is serious and that if the defenseman turns it down, the team won’t have earned the reputation they didn’t try or insulted the player by lowballing him.
With an offer in that neighborhood, the Blue Jackets will know right away how serious Jones is about staying in Columbus.
Next: Senators Could Have Relatively Quiet Trade Deadline
Pingback: Sabres Taking Heat for How Their Franchise Is Being Run