Leclaire and Blue Jackets still negotiating

From Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

Howson had another chat with the agent for goaltender Pascal Leclaire yesterday. A deal does not appear close, but the two sides — Howson and agent Don Meehan — remain amicable.

Read more about the Blue Jackets here.

Don Meehan is in a very good bargaining position. The Jackets have added a bunch of significant pieces to their roster and there is hype surrounding the team heading into the 2008/09 season. Meehan clearly knows that and will ask for more money and term for Pascal Leclaire as a result.

Eventually these two sides will meet halfway, but for now, it looks like Meehan is going to use all of the leverage he has.