Johansson likely on the move, but maybe an offseason return
TSN: Pierre LeBrun was on TSN 1040 talking about the New Jersey Devils.
LeBrun believes that pending unrestricted free agent forward Marcus Johansson will be traded before the deadline There are lots of teams interested and calling GM Ray Shero.
“But the Devils really like him, and I think even if they dealt him – which seems likely because he’s UFA – I think they have interest in talking to him again after the year. I think they really like the way that he’s been an example for their young guys, like (Nico) Hischier.
“My understanding is Ray Shero is not just going to move Marcus Johansson because he’s a pending UFA and that’s what you’ve got to do at this time of year. Someone has to step up because they really like what he brings to that team, even if it’s a lost season.”
Someone will likely have to step up and pay for him as Shero won’t be giving him away for a fourth-round pick.
Canadiens didn’t like asking price for Burakovsky
TSN: Darren Dreger said on TSN 690 that he doesn’t think that Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin will make a big splash trade deadline. Bergevin could still make smaller moves – maybe circle back to Washington Capitals Andre Burakovsky.
“If they do (something), I think it’d be lower-level,” said Dreger. “I think that there’s been a back and forth with the Washington Capitals, and I don’t believe that there’s been anything recent. But I know a while back there was some discussions on Andre Burakovsky with Montreal, and I think Bergevin instantly went exit stage left when the ask was for (Artturi) Lehkonen.”
Burakovsky doesn’t appear to fit in Washington under coach Todd Reirden and will likely be dealt.
Dreger does add that he hasn’t heard anything recently involving Burakovsky.
It’s possible that Capitals GM Brian MacLellan circles back the Canadiens with a lower asking price.