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General manager Scott Howson said the franchise will begin contract negotiations with coach Ken Hitchcock some time in the summer. Hitchcock has one season remaining on his current deal.
Look for things to heat up after the NHL draft (June 20-21).
Howson also plans to speak to Syracuse Crunch coach Ross Yates and assistant Trent Cull later this week about their future with the franchise. Each coach is in the last season of a two-year deal. The Crunch had a terrific late-season run to reach the playoffs. The Jackets’ minor-league affiliate won its first-round series before squandering a 3-1 lead against the Toronto Marlies and losing in seven games.
Howson has not had any contract negotiations with Jackets’ free agents such as Ron Hainsey or Michael Peca. The GM said he would "have some dialogue” with those players before July 1, the beginning of the free-agent season.