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New York Rangers: Five moves that could have been

ByLou Venditti|
MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 12: Head coach of the New York Rangers Alain Vigneault speaks to the media prior to Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 12, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 12: Head coach of the New York Rangers Alain Vigneault speaks to the media prior to Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 12, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 08: Ian Cole
PITTSBURGH, PA – MAY 08: Ian Cole

Marcus Johansson

The Washington Capitals had one of the most devastating offseasons that a back-to-back President’s Trophy team could have. They re-signed T.J. Oshie to a monster eight-year, $46 million contract worth $5.75 a season. Oshie is turning 31 in December. They also signed Evgeny Kuznetsov to an eight-year deal worth $7.8 million per season. The Capitals battled the cap for the last few years, and their first cap casualties have begun to be shed.

One such casualty is Marcus Johansson. The 26-year-old winger has been a stud for the Capitals, scoring more than 40 points in his last four seasons. Last season, Johnasson scored 24 goals and 34 assists for 58 points, a career high. However, the Capitals couldn’t keep him on the roster and re-sign their key pieces. The Capitals dealt Johansson to the New Jersey Devils for a second and third round draft pick.

Quite frankly, a second and third round pick for a guy coming off a 58 point season is a steal. The fact that he was dealt to the Devils stings, but the Rangers should have been in on this deal. While the Rangers are currently stacked at the wing, adding a young scorer like Johansson could never hurt.

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