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Marcus Johansson signs one year contract with Seattle Kraken

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X August 6, 2021
1 2 minutes read

Agreeing to terms with veteran center Marcus Johansson on a one-year, $1.5 million contract Friday deepens and strengthens the vision of a lineup that plays speedy and smart every game.

“Marcus plays a fast game and brings us another veteran presence with a significant amount of playoff experience,” said Francis. “His speed, skill and versatility will help our forward group.”

Johansson’s postseason success is not to be overlooked-and Kraken fans have to love their GM talking playoffs in any context.

The 6-foot-1, 203-pound Johansson set career highs during Boston’s run to the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, highlighted by scoring the game-winning goal in Game 7 of a first-round matchup with rival Toronto.

His 2019 playoff stat line: four goals, 11 assists and nearly 54 percent faceoff wins over 22 games. Bruins fans remember fondly Johansson’s chemistry with linemate Charlie Coyle that spring.

Johansson was selected 24th overall in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft. He played one more year in his Swedish homeland’s professional league before making the Capitals roster for the 2010-11 season. His rookie year featured 13 goals and 14 assists in 69 NHL games.

The 30-year-old is among a group of Kraken centers who can also play left or right wing. That provides options to coach Dave Hakstol and assistants Paul McFarland and Jay Leach in deciding line combinations, especially when injuries require adjustments over the course of the season.

Johansson ranks in the top 15 among 2009 draftees in every major scoring category, including the ninth spot with 243 career assists. His 97 career playoff games are the third-most among players drafted in 2009 and he ranks in the top five in the 2009 draft class in postseason assists, points and powerplay goals.

The new Kraken forward played seven seasons with the Capitals, including a final year in which he scored 24 goals and added 34 assists. He was traded to New Jersey before the 2017-18 season, then moved to Boston for that Cup run at the 2019 midseason trade deadline.

Johansson signed a two-year deal with Buffalo as a free agent in summer 2019, scoring nine goals and logging 21 assists in 60 games before the Sabres traded him to Minnesota straight up for forward Eric Staal.

With the Wild, Johansson scored six goals-three were game-winners-and added eight assists in 36 games. His 2021 postseason was cut short at three games when he crashed hard into a goal post, breaking his arm. He was playing wing on a line with two other fast skaters, Kevin Fiala and Victor Rask.

Johansson’s NHL career totals: 135 goals and 243 assists for 378 points in 684 regular-season games. He was part of the 2014 silver-medal Swedish Olympic team and overall has 18 points (6 G, 12 A) in 28 games for Sweden national teams during international tournaments.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X August 6, 2021
1 2 minutes read
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