Capitals Sign Marcus Johansson
The Capitals have signed Marcus Johansson, the 24th overall pick in the 2009 Draft, to a three year entry level deal (per @VogsCaps)
about 2 years ago
Becca H
124 comments
0 recs |
Email
PrintComments
We can only hope Marcus Johansson scores as clutch a goal a former #90 did for the Caps.
by freakinandpeakin on May 17, 2010 10:42 AM EDT reply actions
We can hope he’s a much more consistent player than JJ.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
So GMGM said
he think Marcus has a legitimate chance to play for the Caps next year…
Is this just media talk or do you think he was serious (considering our lack of depth center)?
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
Serious.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
you want to try and untangle what GMGM really means?! you’re just going to give yourself a headache
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
by RedBirdie on May 17, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I think he could play for the Caps some, but I’d be pretty surprised if he was a regular player out of camp.
I think it would be an incredibly ballsy move to enter camp with Johansson as our #2C. Not unprecented, but ballsy. I think it’s more likely that, barring an outstanding camp, he starts the year in Hershey playing center and getting used to the North American game.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Agreed. He’d have to have a camp like another Swedish center on the team had a few years back. There was some news about him as well today, I think?
If the Caps wanted to be really ballsy, they’d give him the #6 jersey…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on May 17, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
GMGM commenting like he did tells me they think he can. He’s not going to put that kind of pressure on a kid if he doesn’t think he’ll make the team. I’m not saying he’s a lock, but it looks like they will give him every chance to make the roster.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Playing alongside Semin and Laich would help him. Laich can take faceoffs as needed, and Semin is (when on) an outstanding defensive player.
Still – for a purported SC contender, going into the year with 19-year old #2C is ballsy as hell. If they did that, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them re-sign Belanger as insurance.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I think that is the direction they probably go. Cap forces their hand to a degree. They still needs to sign some of their RFAs.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I could definitely see Belanger sticking around as 2/3C insurance, I just don’t see how that’s better than last year. I guess it’s better because we are hoping on Mackan/MP being able to play in the NHL as at least a 3C next year, instead of hoping on Steckel becoming a true 3C.
I waited all year for this?
Right, but if we get a 2C then letting Mackan and MP fight for 3C isn’t the worst idea. At some point you have to see what you have with those guys and you can find a decent deadline 3C.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on May 17, 2010 11:14 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Given the lack of offensive production from BMo, Belanger, and Stecks its not like letting those 2 fight for jobs is a huge setback. Heck, several of those guys didn’t exactly look great in their own end.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. I’d much rather be casting around for a #3C at the deadline, as opposed to a #2C. Still, from the skillsets of MP and Johansson, it appears that they’re more suited to second-line duty, although our 3rd line is a bit more offensively-oriented than most teams’.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Of course you are. You’re also a completely objective and impartial observer.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on May 17, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
The kid wore down the more he played last year. I think bigger centers (Malkin, the Staals, Zajac, etc) will push him off the puck. I’m not obsessed with size (I love me some Chris Bourque), but MP is short and pretty slight of build. If his play hadn’t fallen off toward the end of his stint in DC, I wouldn’t really bring it up, but given his pretty rapid fall-off into ineffectiveness, I think it’s worth noting.
I wouldn’t be averse to the team trying him out at #3C, and if the grind of playing center doesn’t suit him, switching him to be a playmaking wing (a la Patrick Kane).
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I wouldn’t be averse to the team trying him out at #3C, and if the grind of playing center doesn’t suit him, switching him to be a playmaking wing (a la Patrick Kane).
I like this progression.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
although our 3rd line is a bit more offensively-oriented than most teams’.
Exactly. The closest thing we are going to have to the Grind Line is our 4th line. We aren’t going to have Sami Pahlsson out their anchoring an elite shutdown 3rd line. Our 3rd line was like a poor man’s second line, and I don’t see why one of the two young guys can’t take a chance there to start the season.
Definitely do not want to be fishing for a 2C at the deadline.
I waited all year for this?
He can play for the Caps, but I don’t suspect if he does that he will do so at center. He might get some wing duty if he makes the club, similar to the way Backstrom got his feet wet. Making this leap — smaller rink, more physical league, etc. — is a big one for a center.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 17, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
MAZAL TOV,Nickie!
Does this mean Semin is a gonner after this coming year??
Ice Breakers>Goal Shakers....THE CAPS !!
I suspect the reason they extended Semin to the UFA line was to send him a message, which is basically “We love your talent, but get the stupid stuff out of your game.” If he does that, he could be extended during or after next season, if he doesn’t, he’ll go elsewhere and likely at a pay cut.
Backstrom’s cap hit will come from some UFAs going away. I think the Caps view his extra Cap space as coming from Nylander (he still has about a $4.8M hit). The no-movement clause goes away for Nylander in 2010-2011, so if there are no takers for him, it’s off to Chocolatetown with him. The Bears would be happy to have Nylander as he would be an asset on their roster.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on May 17, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see Nyles ever playing in Hershey. Especially with the issues he’s had with the system org wants to play s and that the Bears are already going to have a center logjam next season.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it was more they realize that it’s going to be near impossible to fit Semin in under the salary cap in 2011/12. So they locked him up for the year they could and will figure out what to do with him initally between now and the draft, and if he’s still around after the draft, whether something comes up during the season that makes sense.
I think Semin is a goner after this coming year pretty much no matter what, unless he’s willing to take a pay cut. This move is unrelated, though.
He’s going to be looking for a pay increase not a pay cut.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe. However, I can’t see any sceneario where Caps would sign long term. You don’t pay a second line winger that kind of money on a long term deal no matter what the Blackhawks think.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Trying to decipher what Semin wants is about as difficult as translating GMGM.
In fact, I’m not even going to bother guessing. :P My only hope is he sees the kind of standard Backstrom has set as signing cheap for the good of the team, and he follows suit.
Baks didn’t sign cheap. At most he left a couple hundred thousand a year on the table. Caps can’t go signing Semin to a long temr deal. They’ve got other worries long term that are more important money wise. You only lock of your cornerstones to long term deals.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Don’t think this signing has any impact at all on the Semin situation
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on May 17, 2010 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
meh. this was a reply to RedRocka...
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
Only downside is that with Nicky/Marcus/AnGus all potentially contributing in a couple years, we may be destined for the European tours at the start of the season and lose a couple home games in the process.
Best of luck to Marcus this year, this team can use all the help at center that it can find.
Here’s me doubting that Gustafsson will do much in the NHL within the next 5 years.
Calder Cup gon' get Perreaultwned
Your boys are moving up. Great sign for the org. You’ll have newbies to add to the crop come June.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Are you going to be able to watch any of development camp this year?
by CapitalCentre on May 17, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
TEB just tweeted Marcus has an out clause this season. I’m guessing its likely if he doesn’t make the Caps roster out of camp he goes back to SEL instead of Hershey.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
That’s what I think. He has talked about honoring his FBK contract and I don’t think he’d be too pleased to come play in HER and ride buses all year. It’s hard to project him until we see him a little more closely. I can’t wait for the summer D-Camp.
I waited all year for this?
makes me all the more excited that I took a couple days off of work to go to d-camp
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
week of July 12, exact dates and roster to come. Full summer schedule, per TEB. I took of July 13-14, to be safe.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Every year, it’s my July vacation… beats the crap outta melting into the asphalt in DC in July.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 17, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that your opinion of what he should do or what he will do? Is the SEL that much better for his development than the AHL? I can understand wanting to stay at home, and the SEL has some good hockey players, but shouldn’t the team and his personal management want him to come and get used to the North American game?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
That’s what I think he will do. I don’t think it’s all that important for him to play in HER. It would be nice, but he’s a very smart player and the world is smaller than it used to be. It’s not like he’s never played on small rinks and can’t figure it out. He already has the skills and defensive awareness that I think he could get away with playing in the SEL one more year then going NHL. I don’t really know though; I just suspect that he may get just as much out of staying at home and maturing in the SEL as he would trying to acclimate to the AHL.
I waited all year for this?
I buy that. For a center, who works mostly in the middle of the ice especially in the defensive zone, the size of the rink wouldn’t matter that much I guess. I can see it mattering a lot for defensemen and for goalies since their angles change so much, but less for a forward/centerman.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
That’s pretty much what I was thinking. For sure the angles do matter to the forwards, especially figuring out how to play the corners, but he’s an elite talent so he should be able to figure it out. He’s played in international competitions his whole life and many of those were on NHL sized rinks.
I’m sure it doesn’t sound fair to some, but I’m much more concerned about getting Russian players (read: Orlov) over to North America sooner to learn the game than I am for some other Europeans (specifically Swedes and Finns). I know Mackan is not going to be Nick Backstrom 2.0, but I think he might be able to get by without an AHL apprenticeship.
I waited all year for this?
does this make Gustafson a bust?
Looking at the Caps prospects Gus looks more and more like a bust, and Johansson a real surprise.
Not to mention other centers such as Broda and Eakin who have yet to reach the AHL.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
Johansson was a 1st round pick. Hardly a surprise.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s so early to decide whether these guys are legit busts or successes just yet, because some players just develop faster than others. We’ve been a bit spoiled by having Ovechkin and Backstrom make the leap to the NHL almost immediately – and almost immediately have an impact.
Yeah but for Angus to still not be able to make the AHL or SEL is not a good sign.
I waited all year for this?
Well, true – I’m not all that high on him just yet mostly because I haven’t seen reason to be. But he did seem to make an impact in the few Bears games he played in so there’s hope…
There’s also a chance that we took him too early and so any success/failure he has from this point on will be colored by that higher pick.
Gus has had injury issues which has set him back. Plus, he never was the level of player that Johansson was…he was mostly projected as a two-way third liner who might be good enough for the second line. I’m more concerned with his health than I am with his ability (apparently, he got hurt in his one game with the Bears, which is why he was sent home).
Broda’s also no longer a center—he’s been playing as a left wing, I think. Plus, it doesn’t look like the Caps will sign him (which is a shame).
Where did you read that Caps wouldn’t sign Broda? I must have missed it.
What can I say I’m a JP fangirl. I will follow him into the darkest and filthiest of alleys, even the comment section at Puck Daddy.
we all missed it, apparently. YNC, you know anything about this?
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
They never said they weren’t going to sign him, but actions speak louder. They sent a huge goal scorer back to the WHL for his over-age year instead of making him a pro. What else does that say?
I waited all year for this?
There were some radio reports out of Calgary that said the Capitals apparently weren’t interested in signing Broda. The Capitals themselves haven’t said anything, but like Fehr mentioned, they haven’t gone out of their way to resign him while locking up other prospects like Eakin. That’s why I said it doesn’t look like they’d sign Broda, who has until June 1 to do so.
Plus Broda doesn’t sound all that interested in signing; he wasn’t too thrilled about being sent back to juniors in the first place.
He’ll get a shot somewhere, but his skating is terrible. I wouldn’t be sad to see him go.
I waited all year for this?
I had his years mixed up with someone else I think. I thought he was younger; makes far more sense now.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
iirc, a number of folks—here and in the MSM—thought this guy was a bit of a reach as a first rounder.
99 problems and a coach ain't one.
Bob McKenzie didn’t. What else do you need to know?
Basically after the first 10 or so there was a big group of about 30 guys that could have all gone interchangeably. Mackan was in that group so it wasn’t way off the board. Most people had him somewhere lower in the group but he was definitely part of that group and there wasn’t a lot of difference from first to last.
I waited all year for this?
there was also such an obscene number of swedes in that first round, i can see how a future star might’ve been lost in the shuffle.
by Natty Bumppo on May 17, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
*
7th.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on May 17, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hopefully it turns out just like Carlson getting lost in the shuffle as the 12th D taken in the draft.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on May 17, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
surprise in that he's developing so quickly
Seems to me he’s flying through his developmental progression, especially considering he was a late first rounder. And wasn’t he projected as a second, and the Caps took a bit of heat for reaching?
A danger to myself and others on the ice
errrr
that was supposed to be in response to CP2Devil’s comment to my comment.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on May 17, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, its a bit of surprise, in terms of his quick progression, but to me a guy picked in the top 30 succeeding isn’t really a surprise. It’s not like a guy who’s a free agent or late rounder succeeding, especially early.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on May 17, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Johansson has a concussion history (so does Eakin), which is why some felt he would slip to the 2nd round. My impression, though, was that he was seen as a late first rounder/early second rounder. In which case, the Caps needed to get him when they did, since he probably wouldn’t have been around when they wound up picking Orlov.
From CI
Nicklas Backstrom’s contract escalates from $6 million to $8 million, I’m told. It breaks down like this: $6 mil., 6, 6, 6, 6.5, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 7.5 and 8.
Marcus Johansson’s three-year entry level is for $900,000 ($810,000 salary plus $90,000 signing bonus) each season. There are no team-paid performance bonuses.
Johansson’s deal also includes a “European out clause” which will allow him to leave North America next season, if he so chooses, and head back to Farjestads of the Swedish Elite League.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
That’s kind of interesting – it’s a cap unfriendly deal, that is, it’s back-loaded. I’d rather have seen him get it front loaded take a lower total value. Maybe save 500k-600k on the cap hit? Am I obsessing over this too much? Probably.
Choking since 1985.
front loaded deals are great if you’re signing an older guy (around 30ish) to a long term contract. There was no way that Nick would accept one of those massively front-loaded contract where the last couple of years pay $600,000. He’ll only be 32 when it’s time to negotiate his next contract.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Right, he won’t go down to 600K per year, but if the 8s were early and the 6s were late it would make more sense for all parties involved. Except maybe Ted.
I waited all year for this?
Caps are likely assuming the cap is going to go up in later years and due to salary inflation those numbers won’t look so bad down the road.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I’m sure that’s part of the equation. I just hope the league recovers and the cap takes off quickly. I hope we get to keep this D corps together into their primes.
I waited all year for this?
Same here. It’s a gamble to backload, but I don’t think its an unreasonable one, especially looking at it one way cap wise. Your point below on trade value with a lower number certainly is a concern though.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
but since the cap hit remains the same, regardless of where the 8 million per year comes into play, is it really a gamble to backload? (other than trade value, I guess) 6.7 is 6.7. That 8 million really only matters when it comes to making sure the guy who signs that checks actually has that much money.
Unless I’m missing something really obvious, in which case, feel free to smack me.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
No, you are right. It’s just from a trading value. I’m not sure how he hit extends to the team that takes him on. I thought they’d take the whole 8 mil, but I’m not sure how it works. I’m sure at some point I will given that its about time certain cap issues come to the fore for some teams. NHL still in learning phase cap wise compared to NFL/NBA. Well you could argue the Knicks are still in the learning phase.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yeah the whole cap hit moves. But if you are paying less than the cap hit it makes it easier to send the contract to a team like NYI or PHX or any other cash-strapped team that also wants to make sure they reach the salary floor.
It’s not a big issue here though because the whole point is that Nick is the kind of guy who isn’t going anywhere.
I waited all year for this?
If I do my numbers correctly, the present value of the whole contract is about $60 million (considering a 3.5% rate of inflation), which would indicate to me that any increases in salary are effectively “cost of living adjustments.”
"Ovechkin, what is good in life?"
"To crush your enemies. To see them driven before you. And to hear the lamentations of their captain."
Talking about what F&B is saying. Front load the contract, make the actual dollars less and NPV is equal but cap hit is lower. It’s nitpicking.
Choking since 1985.
Plus, if things do go sour, having already paid most of the contract makes it a lot easier to trade him away.
I waited all year for this?
Question:
Is Mackan in going to Hershey for the Black Aces practice during the Bears playoff run?
plagued by penguins fans at work
Interesting thought. I had assumed he wouldn’t but I didn’t even realize he was in America. He’s close enough that maybe they send him up to get a look, but he’s in his off-season and wouldn’t likely play (and I don’t know if he’s even allowed to) and they may not want to make this trip too crazy for hi.
I waited all year for this?
To be honest, I don’t expect him to either, but since he is here and it’s prime time to watch the Bears it maybe worth it for him. Just think the European out clause was more of a, just in case he isnt ready for Hershey for whatever reason he can go back and play there and get more minutes.
I was surprised to see him sitting in the background for the WP video myself and that’s what got me thinking….if AO makes sure that the young guys feel at home, Nicky has to do that for Mackan, right?
plagued by penguins fans at work
I would assume so. Nicky let AnGus use his condo last summer.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
what I'm reading
The kid will get a shot to make the team. If he doesn’t make the team out of camp, rather than play in Hershey he may go back to Sweden for a year if he so desires.
This kid is smart. His English is excellent, he has hustle, and he could seriously threaten Steckel and/or Gordon for a 4th line spot right away. Because he speaks the language so well, there is a good chance that he will feel comfortable enough to go to Hershey if he doesn’t make the opening night roster. If he does, he’ll be called up before anyone else unless he implodes at camp, which is unlikely.
by The Jade Donkey on May 17, 2010 1:50 PM EDT reply actions
Plus it looks like Nicky is proud of him!
(Mackan in foreground.)
by cuqui on May 17, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Nicky’s gotta stop wearing those target brand striped polo shirts from now on. It got him in trouble with the dough boy look before and he looks like a kid who put it on cause mom said he had to wear a collared shirt.
now he can afford to shop a places slightly classier than Target.
#savethekittens!
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Perhaps Varly can tell him where to pick up the latest styles in acid wash jeans?
by six hole on May 17, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I thought MJ was quite well spoken when he took the mic at the conference. Idk why but I thought I’d see MJ as another flowing blonde haired beauty haha. Hopefully he can do as well as his namesake indicates!
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Driven DeBoer delivers Devils back to NHL's elite
- Driven DeBoer, fired by Panthers, delivers Devils back to the land of elite in just one year
- Bruins acquire son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque
- Bruins add a Bourque: Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, acquired from Capitals
- Shinnimin named CHL's Player of the Year
