The Seattle Kraken continue to sell during their first-ever NHL Trade Deadline. After multiple deals earlier, including a massive Mark Giordano trade, they have now moved forward Marcus Johansson to the Washington Capitals. Daniel Sprong and draft picks are part of the return.
Marcus Johansson Traded
Confirmed: Marcus Johansson to the Capitals. Daniel Sprong and draft picks are part of the deal to Seattle.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) March 21, 2022
The Washington Capitals are very familiar with Johansson. He was drafted by them and played for the team from 2010-17. Unfortunately, he was traded the year prior to them winning the Cup because of cap reasons. Returning to Washington will make it six teams since the 2018-19 season for Johansson, who just hasn’t found his role anywhere. He will be hoping his return means a return to the solid middle-six guy he was for Washington.
Johansson was having a solid season with the Kraken. He has six goals and 17 assists for 23 points in 51 games. Over his career, the 31-year-old has 141 goals and 260 assists for 401 points in 735 NHL games. Johansson is a free agent this summer and currently makes just $1.5 million.
Moving Forward
The Caps are trying to take what could be a final run with their current core. Alex Ovechkin is still having an amazing season they want to take advantage of that. Adding Johansson gives them some more depth. He’ll be an upgrade over Sprong offensively. For Seattle, Sprong is six years younger and may provide some more upside.
The draft picks will be helpful as well. The Kraken had a disappointing first season and are now turning their attention to the future. Selling pending free agents is a good way to do this. Sprong might get more of a chance in Seattle than he got in Washington, where he was further down the depth chart. The former second-round pick was once highly touted but has never found a truly comfortable full-time role in the NHL. Maybe Seattle can tap that potential.
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