Opinion

Should the Capitals Trade Marcus Johansson?

Marcus Johansson (Caps Outsider)

It’s that time of year when the Capitals must make a decision on what to do with Marcus Johansson, who is is a restricted free agent again this summer. Last year, he was given $3.75 million in arbitration, making him a RFA once again. The salary cap ceiling next year will be $73 million.  The salary cap, and Johansson’s new salary demand, will factor into how the Caps approach the other free agents such as Jason Chimera and Tom Wilson, and whether or not to sign other free agents.

Johansson had 46 points this past season, tallying 17 goals and 29 assists in 74 games played, which is one point less than last season while appearing in eight fewer games. While he is a valuable player for the Caps, he might be more valuable to another team. I could see the Caps trading him to Calgary or Arizona for a player and draft picks.

Calgary is a team that will be good in a season or two and could use someone like Johansson to help show their young players the ropes. Arizona, on the other hand, is an older team looking to get players in their  prime to skate alongside their young talents in Max Domi and Anthony Duclair. Each team has picks to spare – Calgary has the 35th, 54th, and 56th overall picks while Arizona has the 37th and 53rd.

Trading Johansson will also free up salary cap space as he is expected to be getting a pay raise, which would give the Caps room to sign someone else. One I have in mind is Jiri Hudler. Hudler, 32,  had 46 points in 72 games last season. His cap hit was $4 million. However, as (most) players get older, they may have to settle for less money. Here’s how he compares to Johansson.

via ownthepuck
via ownthepuck

The Caps, along with the rest of the league, will have some tough choices ahead of expansion. Is Johansson one of the guys to protect? If not, the Caps may risk losing him and getting nothing in return. The Caps also have young talent upcoming like Jakub Vrana. Vrana is guy who many believe are ready for the NHL. I can see Vrana as a guy who can take  Johansson’s spot on the third line and do well.

Vrana was selected by the Caps with the 13th overall pick in 2014. This past year he suffered a wrist injury that caused him to miss a big chunk of the season with Hershey. Vrana was still able to muster 34 points, 16 goals and 18 assists, in 36 games.

The Caps also can use some draft picks. This year, they don’t have either a second or third round draft pick, due to the moves to get Daniel Winnik and Mike Weber. If they do trade him, they’re likely to get at least a second rounder in the deal.

Either way, the Caps need to make a decision on Johansson beyond another short-term contract. It might be, trading him is for the best.

Brandon Alter

Brandon Alter covers all three teams in the Washington Capitals Organization. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in May of 2021.

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