As the Penguins and Devils meet tonight it might be worth paying attention to #90 on the Devils. Marcus Johansson is a potential rental target for teams. Pittsburgh had been rumored to be in on Michael Ferland, but with the Hurricanes roaring back into playoff contention they might just keep him around. The Penguins interest tells me that they are interested in acquiring a left winger.
I really believe pending UFA forward Marcus Johansson will be one of those sneaky trade deadline pickups. Because of injuries over the past few years in New Jersey, his stock has slipped. But he’s healthy now and producing of late. He looks more the part of the consistent 20-goal scorer he was in Washington.
But he’s also not going to just dump a player. The Devils really like Johansson, he’s a great example for the younger players on the team. If their price is met, the Devils will deal him but if teams are bargain hunting, I think Shero is more than happy to keep him and perhaps sign him later.
Marcus Johansson has had an injury riddled tenure with the Devils since being traded from Washington. Before this stretch he was a very effective offensive player for the Capitals. He’s 27 years old and is an expiring UFA who would count 4.5M against the salary cap.
As far as the Penguins go this isn’t the sexiest trade deadline target, but I would argue there’s at least a little merit in discussing it. Tanner Pearson isn’t working out and has been healthy scratched recently. He couldn’t produce in Los Angeles and while he’s been slightly better in Pittsburgh it isn’t good enough to spend the 3.75M on the next two years. I would want out of that contract. If the Devils would be willing to take on Pearson and a draft pick for Johansson I would definitely entertain a trade along those lines.
Problem with the Penguins and draft picks is that they are running out of them.
Penguins don’t have a second round pick this year (Bjugstad/McCann) or next year(Fleury). Penguins do not have a third round this year unless Conor Sheary scores 20 goals or 40 points. Their original third round pick was traded for Derick Brassard. There aren’t a ton of draft picks to go around so any trades would have to be creative.
They do have their first round pick, but Johansson isn’t the kind of player you would throw one at.
Here are Johansson’s from 2018-19 when compared with his larger three year sample
You would be buying low and hoping for a bounce back. If it didn’t pan out the Penguins would be in a similar spot because Pearson isn’t doing anything either. The bonus would be Johansson being a pending UFA and the team not being tied to an under performing forward with more term.
He’s a great passer
Johansson has ten points in his last 12 games (5 on power play). He is starting to show a pulse again. His 5v5 points per 60 is at 1.82 for this sample.
This would be a change of scenery type of trade. It isn't like the Devils would be selling incredibly high on Johansson. Something to think about while the Devils probably outplay the Penguins again tonight.
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Update on Nick Jensen
The Penguins are without a second and third round pick as stated above. Doesn’t appear to be a fit at the present time. A right side of Letang, Schultz, and Jensen would be very good though.
Thanks for reading!
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