Rumors II: Ryan Johansen – His Future and Potential Fits

1. Philadelphia Flyers – would the Flyers trade Sean Couturier or one of Ivan Provorov and Shayne Gostisbehere? What about Brayden Schenn and one of Travis Sanheim or Samuel Morin?
2. Nashville Predators – adding a No. 1 center would make the Predators a real Stanley Cup contender. The Predators would be crazy to move Seth Jones. What about Mattias Ekholm? Would Shea Weber’s name come up? If the Blue Jackets want a forward included in a package, the Predators could dangle Kevin Fiala or Colin Wilson.
3. Calgary Flames – Johansen’s size would fit in nice behind Sean Monahan. Names the Flames could offer up include Dennis Wideman, Kris Russell, Jiri Hudler or Mikael Backlund.
4. St. Louis Blues – Center isn’t a big need for the Blues, but they are under a lot of pressure to win. The Blues could offer David Backes (NTC and UFA), but the Blue Jackets would want to make sure they could sign him to an extension. Prospects the Blues could dangle include Robby Fabbri, Ty Rattie, Ivan Barbashev or Jordan Schmaltz. Their first round pick could be made available.
5. Minnesota Wild – The Wild lack size and power in their top-six. The Wild don’t have a lot of salary cap space, so they’d need to send some salary back. The Wild could offer Mikael Granlund ($3 million cap hit) plus another asset or two.

“Wouldn’t surprise me. Wouldn’t surprise me if Columbus makes a trade. There are teams out there doing their due diligence.

“But I tell you what. I know some of the teams that are interested in Johansen and they want satisfaction in terms of, ‘Does this guy have some issues in terms of work ethic, or consistency, or what have you.’

“So this is not just me throwing stuff up against the wall. There are National Hockey League teams out there that wonder a little bit about what’s going on with Ryan Johansen.

“No questioning the kind of player he is. Terrific player, terrific physical tools.”