In the early evening on Saturday, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that he was hearing Andreas Johnsson had been traded to the New Jersey Devils. He wrote, “Details to follow.” Word then broke that the deal was Andreas Johnsson for Joey Anderson.
Related: C Mikko Koivu Signs 1-Year Contract w/ Blue Jackets
The Maple Leafs were rumored to be thinking about an Andreas Johnsson move for some time, mostly for the purposes of clearing cap space. Looking to make improvements on their blue line, shedding Johnsson’s $3.4 million over the next three seasons could go a long way to helping, especially considering some of the team friendly deals that were being signed over the course of the first two days of free agency. It was also important GM Kyle Dubas clear some additional room after a couple of the signings he did on day one — the T.J. Brodie and Wayne Simmonds signings.
And, the Devils are indeed picking up Johnsson’s full contract. By moving his contract, the Leafs now have approximately $2.3 million in salary cap space.
Johnsson Seemed Like the Inevitable Choice
Of all the forwards the Leafs might be most willing to move, Johnsson topped the list. The concern was potentially his injury history and poorer production might have lowered interest in him around the NHL.
There were also tons of rumors at the start of the year that the Leafs would need to trade Kasperi Kapanen and they did so for a first-round pick. This deal seems to be done to give the Leafs more room to do other things over the weekend.
Next: Latest On Taylor Hall Free Agency Meetings, Teams In The Mix
