Could this former Bruin find a new home this summer?
The Minnesota Wild are entering the 2024 NHL Offseason with limited cap space. Because of this, they may be open to moving a contract or two out before free agency begins.
Interestingly, a former Boston Bruins forward is viewed as a potential trade candidate for the Wild because of their cap trouble. In a recent article for The Athletic, Harman Dayal discussed ten overpaid players who could be dealt this summer, and Marcus Johansson made the cut.
Marcus JohanssonJohansson, 33, is entering the final season of his current deal, carrying a $2 million cap hit. While his cap hit is not too outrageous, the Wild can use all the cap space they can get, so it is fair to wonder if he could be made expendable for the right price.
Johansson also had a bit of a down year with the Wild. After posting 19 goals and 48 points in 80 games in 2022-23, he had just 11 goals and 30 points in 78 games this past campaign. While that is not necessarily bad production, the Wild could likely find a player who produces at a similar rate at a lower price.
Given Johansson's experience and past success, some clubs may be interested in bringing him in. He also offers excellent versatility, playing all three forward positions.
In 10 regular-season games with the Bruins in 2018-19, Johansson posted one goal and two assists. During the Bruins' 2019 playoff run, he provided strong depth production on their third line, recording four goals and 11 points in 22 games.