Seth Jones' agent, Pat Brisson, has had preliminary talks with the Blue Jackets about a long-term contract, The Columbus Dispatch reports. "I don't anticipate any problems," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen told The Dispatch. "We'll find a deal that works

Jones' agent, Pat Brisson, has had preliminary talks with the Blue Jackets about a long-term contract, The Columbus Dispatch reports. "I don't anticipate any problems," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen told The Dispatch. "We'll find a deal that works for us and a deal that works for Seth Jones."

Analysis:

The team has had difficulty signing its young RFAs in the past, notably with Ryan Johansen in a contract dispute that spilled over into a training camp holdout, but so far there's no indication that Jones will present similar difficulties. Morgan Rielly's six-year, $30 million contract with the Maple Leafs established a pretty clear market for Jones' services, so expect his deal to wind up in that neighborhood. The 21-year-old defenseman split this season between the Predators and Jackets after being traded for Johansen, finishing with three goals and a career-high 31 points in 81 games.