NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Colorado Avalanche have crammed their second-line heart void by buying Ryan Johansen from the Nashville Predators on Saturday.
Colorado despatched pending free agent Alex Galchenyuk to Nashville in a commerce that primarily quantities to a contract dump however might assist the 2022 Stanley Cup champions get again on prime of the NHL.
“Ryan is a talented, veteran center who helps our top six (forward group),” Avalanche normal supervisor Chris MacFarland stated. “He gives us size in the middle of the ice and brings leadership and experience to our roster. We look forward to adding him to our team.”
The transfer is a giant splash for the Avalanche, who misplaced within the first spherical of the playoffs to Seattle this previous season. They just lately realized captain Gabriel Landeskog would miss the complete 2023-24 season whereas recovering from cartilage alternative surgical procedure in his proper knee.
Johansen, who turns 31 in July, steps into the position beforehand crammed by Nazem Kadri, who left after Colorado received the Cup to signal a $49 million, seven-year contract with Calgary. Johansen is on the again half of his profession, having put up 28 factors in 55 video games final season, however he has the potential to provide with expert linemates on the Avalanche.
The deal can also be coming at a discount price, because the rebuilding Predators are retaining half of Johansen’s $8 million wage cap hit in every of the following two seasons. It’s the primary vital roster transfer by new GM Barry Trotz, who additionally fired coach John Hynes and changed him with Andrew Brunette.
“On behalf of the Predators organization, we want to thank Ryan for his contributions to our team and community over the last seven-plus years,” Trotz stated. “He played a large role in our franchise’s accomplishments since arriving in January 2016, helping lead us to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, the 2018 Presidents’ Trophy, back-to-back Central Division titles in 2018 and 2019 and several postseason appearances.”
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