It came down to the wire, but the Bruins made a trade on Monday, a move to tighten up their forward depth.
The Bruins sent a 2019 second-round pick and a 2020 fourth-round pick to the Devils, in exchange for forward Marcus Johansson.
Johansson is a left-handed shot that can play both sides of the wing. The 28-year old has had a solid season in New Jersey with 12 goals and 27 points in 48 games this season. Of late, Johansson has 12 points in 13 games.
After seven seasons with the Capitals, Johansson was traded to the Devils in the summer of 2017. At the time, Johansson was coming off of a career high in goals (24) and points (58) at the time.
Johansson, who had to submit a list of five teams he did not want to be traded to per his modified no trade clause, is set to become a free agent after this season.
As you may remember, Johansson has some history with the Bruins, more specifically, Brad Marchand. Johansson missed three months last season after taking a Marchand elbow to the end. Johansson wasn't shy when asked about the hit.
"It was stupid, there’s nothing else to say about it. There was no point in doing that. There was no hockey play whatsoever," said Johansson. "It’s sad to see there are still guys out there trying to hurt other guys. It’s sad. It’s stupid. I hoping it doesn’t come to him ending someone else’s career before it’s enough."
With Johansson and last week's trade acquisition of Charlie Coyle in the mix, the two give head coach Bruce Cassidy some new options on both the second and third lines. Johansson has some brief experience up the middle, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Cassidy tinker with things in the next few games.
The trades for Johansson and Coyle certainly makes the Bruins a better team, but I still feel that the Bruins trade deadline was a bit disappointing for a team that could make a legitimate push for a Stanley Cup with the right deadline moves.
I'll have more on that later...