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2022 NHL Free Agency

Getting The MoJo Back: Capitals Re-Sign Marcus Johansson

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Capitals forward Marcus Johansson

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Marcus Johansson is sticking around the District, as the Washington Capitals have re-assigned the forward to a one-year, $1.1 million contract.

Washington brought Johansson back at the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline, acquiring him from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Daniel Sprong. It marked No. 90’s return to the organization since his trade back in 2017 to the New Jersey Devils.

Johansson started his career with Washington 13 years ago, when he went in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft (No. 24). The Swede originally played in 501 games for Washington 2010 to 2017, dishing 105 goals and 191 assists before his trade to the New Jersey Devils. He’d play for the Devils, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild before signing with the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 offseason, from where he ultimately returned to the Capitals.

“This is the one place I wanted to go…. it still feels like home,” Johansson said at the deadline.

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In 18 regular-season games to close out 2021-22, Johansson picked up three goals and three assists. He also lived up to expectations as a defensive forward.

After joining the team on March 21, Johansson led all forwards with at least 15GP in Corsi for (53.56) at 5-on-5 and ranked third at all strengths (57.23), trailing only Alex Ovechkin and Anthony Mantha. He also had the least number of shots against among all forwards (117).

“We really want a good steady 200-foot game that goes both ways, and he’s provided that,” Laviolette said of Johansson.

Heading into next season, Johansson will look to maintain a key role in the lineup. He is a versatle two-way player who can play both center and wing. The Capitals also brought in two more forwards, acquiring Connor Brown from Ottawa and reportedly signing Henrik Borgstrom.