Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin has been clear that he thinks his group deserves an addition at the deadline, and now he’s made one. The Wild have acquired Marcus Johansson from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick.
This is Johansson’s second stint with Minnesota, though he may still have nightmares about his first go-round. After being acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in 2020, the versatile forward would play 36 games for the Wild during the regular season before breaking his arm in a game three playoff loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Surgery and a seven-game elimination followed, ending his time with Minnesota prematurely. Johansson will get to rewrite history this time, joining the Wild ahead of another playoff run.
With a bit of a rebound after some disappointing seasons, Johansson has 13 goals and 28 points in 60 games for the Capitals this season. The left-shot forward can play center in a pinch, and adds another capable NHL option to the Minnesota lineup—one that currently leans heavily on one line to do most of the heavy lifting. Johansson’s goal and point totals would put him fifth on the Wild, who have gotten little production from players like Marcus Foligno and Jordan Greenway.
For Washington, expiring contracts are must-trades unless an extension is possible. The club has already thrown in the towel on this season by trading long-time defender Dmitry Orlov, and might as well sell off anything else that’s not tied down.
Getting a third-round pick for Johansson is a nice return, though it should be pointed out that they invested more than just the one-year, $1.1MM contract he is currently playing on. Last year at this time, it was Washington trading for him at the deadline, sending Daniel Sprong and two draft picks (a fourth and a sixth) to the Seattle Kraken. This is the fifth time he has been traded in his career, and the third at the deadline.
Kevin Weekes of ESPN broke news of the deal on Twitter.
Why?
Because you touch yourself.
Wilf, gotta give you credit. No matter how much time you spend here, or following hockey in general, the NHL still confuses you on a daily basis. You have a special skillset. That said, the deer-in-the-headlight look does suit you.
Why not?
He wasn’t bad before and they need someone to pass to boldy and all we gave up was a pick, plus his contract is up at years end
It’s a win win for the wild.
Ya, sure. Com’on home, den. Dat means the boot for some ‘nother guy.
Budget friendly pickup to get the crowds off their seats.
He doesn’t move the needle by himself but he is an inexpensive quality piece to add to any middle 6. Fair trade
He will go with Boldy.
Win win all around.
Marcus gets to finish unfinished business.
Wild only lost a pick and his contract is up at seasons end.