By: Yanni Latzanakis | Follow Me On Twitter @yanlatz
At the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals, Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney was optimistic that he would come to terms with Marcus Johansson and his representation on a deal. Up until late last week, the Bruins were still in the mix along with a handful of other teams. However, it is now being reported by Darren Dreger of TSN that 10 or more teams are in contact with the 28-year-old forward from Sweden and the Bruins are not one of those teams.
Marcus Johansson is talking with several teams today and none of them Boston. Looks like he will have a new home tomorrow.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2019
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Johansson will become an unrestricted free agent on July first as the NHL Free Agency frenzy begins after the Bruins acquired Johansson from the New Jersey Devils on trade deadline day for a 2019 second-round pick and a 2020 fourth-round pick.
#NHLBruins general manager Don Sweeney addresses the media to recap the 2019 trade deadline and the acquisition of forward Marcus Johansson: pic.twitter.com/aXhOytHLNa
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 25, 2019
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He will likely get a raise on his $4.6 million that he received last season and with the Bruins cap situation they just simply cannot afford to pay Johansson. Johansson praised the city of Boston and the Bruins organization and expressed interest in re-signing but will likely be wearing another sweater in the 2019-2020 season.
Aggressive market interest in Bruins forward Marcus Johansson. 10+ teams have checked in. Has to be looking forward to a raise on the $4.6 million he made this season.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 29, 2019
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His tenure with Boston got off to a rough start. On March 5, 2019, Johansson was injured in just his fourth game with the Bruins. He was hospitalized after a collision with Carolina Hurricanes forward Michael Ferland and later diagnosed with a lung contusion. He went on to miss 10 games in March for the Bruins after the injury.
Marcus Johansson was brought to MGH during the game against Carolina on March 5 for evaluation. Testing revealed a lung contusion. He was monitored overnight and was discharged today after further evaluation by specialists.
He will be re-evaluated in approximately one week.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 6, 2019
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During his brief time in Boston, Johansson put up one goal and two assists in 10 regular season games played. But, his impact was really felt in the postseason. Johansson quickly built chemistry with B’s forward Charlie Coyle on the third line for Bruce Cassidy. In 22 playoff games, Johansson scored four goals to go along with seven helpers and 11 points and scored some huge goals for Boston like his insurance marker in the first period of game seven against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Marcus Johansson picks up the turnover and makes it 2-0 Bruins. pic.twitter.com/9VkecCfymz
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) April 23, 2019
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He also connected with Charlie Coyle with incredible passes on the tying and overtime game-winning goals in game one of the second round series against Columbus. The line of Danton Heinen, Charlie Coyle, and Marcus Johansson were often the Bruins most effective line during the long Stanley Cup run. With the “perfection-line” and the David Krejci line often struggling to find the back of the net, the Johansson line was productive in their forecheck and goal-scoring and he will definitely be missed by the Bruins next season.
Charlie Coyle with the overtime winner LET’S GOOO! #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/vZgh2KYcZI
— Binge Sports (@BingeSports) April 26, 2019
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As a result, Don Sweeney’s search for wingers continues heading into Free Agency on Monday and the rest of the offseason. Sweeney will certainly be busy as the Bruins have a number of UFA’s and RFA’s that they will try to come to terms with before the start of next season.
Sweeney has extending qualifying offers to restricted free agents Danton Heinen, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Peter Cehlarik, Ryan Fitzgerald, and Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson as well as extending offers to pending unrestricted free agent Noel Acciari and a 2-year extension for defenseman Steven Kampfer.
#NHLBruins GM Don Sweeney in his pre-free agency presser:
“We’re having conversations, gauging interest. We’ve been at it with our RFAs…we’ll be adding players for sure on July 1.” pic.twitter.com/p1cM8uw61o
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 28, 2019
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July first is always an interesting and exciting day in the NHL so follow along with our Black ‘N Gold Hockey team for all the latest free agency news.
Check out last weeks Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 133 below!
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