Can Marcus Johansson Keep Up The Pace?

Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

When Bill Guerin traded for Marcus Johansson at the 2023 trade deadline, there were instant grumbles from the fans. The last time Johansson was part of the Minnesota Wild, he finished with six goals and 14 points during 36 games. To compound that, he broke his arm three games into the playoffs. But Wild fans were pleasantly surprised that the Johansson who returned to Minnesota was not the Johansson that left it.

Last Season

After being traded to the Wild by the Washington Capitals in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2024 NHL draft, Johansson was able to calm fans’ fears through the rest of the regular season. In 20 regular season games, he tallied 18 points, including six goals and 12 assists. Most importantly, he showed that not only can he keep up with Matt Boldy but also set up plays with him. After Matt Boldy struggled to click with a player like he did with Kevin Fiala, Johansson was a welcome addition. That’s why Guerin signed Johansson to a two-year, $4 million contract on May 2nd, only four days after their playoff run ended.

Strengths

As mentioned above, Johansson’s biggest strength in relation to his spot on the Wild is his speed. But the way he can combine his speed with playmaking ability is what really earned his spot on Boldy’s line. The video clip below shows all of his best qualities. Once Boldy stops by the boards, Johansson recognizes where he needs to go. He uses his speed to get there and then stickhandles his way around a defenseman and into the net.

Weaknesses

Johansson isn’t a very physical player, but on a gritty team like the Wild, he may have to get used to it. Playing on the same line as one of the team’s superstars may require more physicality than he’s had to play with before.

Next Season

After being involved in five trades in the past six years, Johansson has finally landed a two-year contract with a “No Trade” clause. If he can settle in and keep the chemistry going with Boldy, he’ll be worth every penny of that contract. Boldy struggled last year with a revolving door of linemates. With a steady presence of Johansson on the other wing, they will both see an uptick in scoring.

Other Wild Predictions for 2023-24 Season

Kirill Kaprizov

Mats Zuccarello

Ryan Hartman

Freddy Gaudreau

Matt Boldy


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

4 thoughts on “Can Marcus Johansson Keep Up The Pace?

Leave a Reply

William Moore 2025 Draft Profile

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: William Moore

William Moore is a 6’2” center who played 64 regular-season games for the U.S.A. National under-18 team, scoring 27 goals and added 32 assists in the 2024-25 National Team Development Program season. Additionally, Moore scored 10 goals and added 11 assists for the USNTDP Junior team of the USHL in 25 regular-season games. The Mississauga, […]

Read More
Haoxi Wang 2025 NHL Draft Profile

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Haoxi Wang

Haoxi Wang is a defenseman at 6’6” and 209 lbs. The Beijing, China native is a big, left-shot defenseman without the usual drawbacks of the typical big defenseman. Wang is a smooth skater for his size who can play in all three zones. Physical play and high-end mobility allow Wang to challenge attackers efficiently. Wang […]

Read More
Henry Brzustewicz 2025 Draft Profile

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Henry Brzustewicz

Henry Brzustewicz is a 6’1” defenseman from Washington, Michigan. In 67 games for the London Knights during the 2024-25 OHL season, Brzustewicz scored 10 goals and added 32 assists. Additionally, in 17 playoff games for the Knights, Brzustewicz scored one goal and added four assists. Brzustewicz is a big, right-shot defenseman who doesn’t play with […]

Read More