Last year, the Boston Bruins didn’t make a splash at the Trade Deadline. Instead, they picked up forward Marcus Johansson from the New Jersey Devils.
Not many fans believed this would be a big-time acquisition. However, the Swedish winger turned out to be a massive presence for the Bruins in the playoffs.
In 22 playoff games, Johansson scored four goals and added seven assists for 11 points. He helped the Bruins to solidify the third line with Charlie Coyle and Danton Heinen. Unfortunately for him, as well for the Bruins, he couldn’t get the ultimate prize. Nevertheless, he seemed like a huge fit in the Bruins lineup.
Ahead of July 1, the Bruins made their pitch to Johansson and his agent. So did a handful of other teams. Initially, it was believed that Johansson would demand at least $5 million on a four-year deal, or even a longer one. At the end of the day, the 29-year-old left-winger signed a two-year deal worth $4.5 million per season with the Buffalo Sabres.
Couldn’t the Bruins match that? Many of the Bruins fans started to react in that way. Obviously, after failing on retaining Johansson, the Bruins made two free-agent signings with Brett Ritchie and Par Lindholm. If they re-signed Johansson for such a price, they would certainly make it work cap-wise.
However, it wasn’t meant to be as Johansson chose to sign elsewhere. Why? The Swedish winger himself revealed the reason. He went to talk over the phone about hockey and life off the ice with the Sabres’ Head Coach, Ralph Krueger. The conversation, as well as the Sabres’ core of young talent, convinced Johansson he could help bring playoff hockey back to Buffalo.
After all, seemingly the money wasn’t the issue for Johansson. Despite the chemistry built with this Bruins team, he felt like he needs a new challenge, despite the fact of facing his old team in the Atlantic Division. Can the Bruins fans feel harsh about his decision? At such contract, the Bruins would have had their chance to ink Johansson.
Nevertheless, so would have the Capitals or the Devils, the other teams Johansson used to play for. Ultimately, the Sabres have a great young team, which lured Johansson to come to Buffalo.
Besides, their new coach played a big role in acquiring him as well.
