3 Potential Trade Destinations for Devils' Andreas Johnsson
The New Jersey Devils had to make the tough decision earlier this season when they waived Andreas Johnsson. The 28-year-old veteran went unclaimed and has now appeared in 14 AHL games where he's put up 11 points. 'Mango' is a pending free agent making $3.2 million against the cap and has only played in two games this season for the Devils, registering two points. After a 35 points season in 2021-22, Johnsson is now a prime trade candidate out of New Jersey. Potential suitors include:
Minnesota Wild
There's little doubt if the Devils are going to completely give up on Johnsson and strike a deal it's going to take some salary retention. The Wild would be a team interested if the price came down. The fact Johnsson isn't signed for next season is something that helps Minnesota as Bill Guerin is having all sorts of financial issues. Johnsson is best suited for a third-line role where he can chip in offensively and kill penalties, something the Wild have room for.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are on a tear this season and will be looking for some more depth up front before the March 3 trade deadline. They have a surplus of defensemen when healthy and could be a good trade partner for the Devils who could use another veteran for their blue line.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are another team looking for some forward depth and could be a fit for the Devils. As for the asking price, it's likely a fourth-or-fifth rounder and a prospect heading to Jersey for Johnsson. Kings' GM Rob Blake could easily add Johnsson to his mix and not touch any of their right-handed defensemen, who may be in play in other Kings' trade discussions.
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
The #NJDevils have placed Andreas Johnsson on waivers…again 😂 pic.twitter.com/XQjRleOtM8
— Locked On Devils (@LockedOnDevils) December 28, 2022
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