12/05/2023

LAK:

4

CBJ:

3

Final

NYR:

2

OTT:

6

Final

DET:

5

BUF:

3

Final

SJS:

5

NYI:

4

Final

NSH:

4

CHI:

3

Final

MIN:

5

CGY:

2

Final

ANA:

2

COL:

3

Final

NJD:

6

VAN:

5

Final

12/06/2023

DAL:

4

FLA:

5

Final

PIT:

1

TBL:

3

Final

VGK:

6

STL:

3

Final

CAR:

1

EDM:

6

Final

12/07/2023

BUF:

3

BOS:

1

Final

SJS:

6

DET:

5

Final

LAK:

4

MTL:

0

Final

TOR:

4

OTT:

3

Final

CBJ:

3

NYI:

7

Final

DAL:

5

WSH:

4

Final

TBL:

1

NSH:

5

Final

ANA:

0

CHI:

1

Final

PHI:

4

ARI:

1

Final

CAR:

2

CGY:

3

Final

WPG:

4

COL:

2

Final

MIN:

0

VAN:

2

Final

NJD:

2

SEA:

1

Final

12/08/2023

STL:

2

CBJ:

5

Final

PIT:

1

FLA:

3

Final

MIN:

3

EDM:

4

Final

12/09/2023

ARI:

0

BOS:

0

01:00 ET

NJD:

0

CGY:

0

04:00 ET

VGK:

0

DAL:

0

04:00 ET

MTL:

0

BUF:

0

07:00 ET

OTT:

0

DET:

0

07:00 ET

NSH:

0

TOR:

0

07:00 ET

NYR:

0

WSH:

0

07:00 ET

LAK:

0

NYI:

0

07:30 ET

STL:

0

CHI:

0

08:00 ET

PHI:

0

COL:

0

09:00 ET

TBL:

0

SEA:

0

10:00 ET

CAR:

0

VAN:

0

10:00 ET

12/10/2023

FLA:

0

CBJ:

0

01:00 ET

NJD:

0

EDM:

0

04:00 ET

WSH:

0

CHI:

0

07:00 ET

NSH:

0

MTL:

0

07:00 ET

LAK:

0

NYR:

0

07:00 ET

WPG:

0

ANA:

0

08:00 ET

MIN:

0

SEA:

0

09:00 ET

SJS:

0

VGK:

0

10:00 ET

12/11/2023

ARI:

0

BUF:

0

07:00 ET

TOR:

0

NYI:

0

07:00 ET

DET:

0

DAL:

0

08:00 ET

CGY:

0

COL:

0

09:30 ET

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

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Oilers Game 24: Minnesota Wild

What a difference two weeks can make. The first meeting against Carolina signaled the end of the world in Edmonton. Down 4-0 after the first period in that game up 4-0 after the first period on Wednesday night’s game. There’s still a long way to go, but Oilers fans are in a much better mood […]

Read More

Pulock to IR, Isles Acquire D Robert Bortuzzo

With Adam Pelech and Sebastian Aho already on the injured reserve, the Islanders claimed Mike Reilly off waivers from the Florida Panthers to shore up the back end last week. The injury hits keep coming, as Ryan Pulock was placed on IR this morning after blocking a shot in the team’s 7-3 win last night. […]

Read More

ECHL: Seattle Or Vegas? Who Will Be The Lake Tahoe Knight Monsters NHL Affiliate

The Lake Tahoe Knight Monsters unveiled their logo and team name last week, but one thing that they didn’t announce is an NHL or AHL affiliate. For most people who see the name, the first thing you think of is the Vegas Golden Knights; however, Vegas and Savannah signed a multi-year agreement in May 2022, […]

Read More