Boston Bruins

Bruins Lose Forward Marcus Johansson To Buffalo Sabres

Published

5 years ago

July 6, 2019

The Boston Bruins have lost UFA forward Marcus Johansson to the Buffalo Sabres. As reported on Friday June 30, a source close to Boston Hockey Now confirmed an initial report by Darren Dreger of TSN that the Bruins were not going to bring back Johansson. That news was made official when the Sabres announced Johansson signed a two-year deal worth $9 million in total. The deal gives Johansson an annual average value of $4.5 million.

As much as General Manager Don Sweeney wanted to bring back Johansson, he knew it would be tough considering the Bruins salary cap situation. Johansson came over from the New Jersey Devils at the trade deadline and found a nice role on the third line with Charlie Coyle and Danton Heinen.

Johansson only played in 10 regular season games for the Bruins, and compiled just three points (1 g, 2 a) as he missed time due to injury. In the playoffs, Johansson was a huge part of the Bruins’ successful run to the Stanley Cup Final. He recorded 11 points (4 g, 7 a) in 22 playoff games.

Johansson will join a highly skilled Sabres team under the guidance of new head coach Ralph Krueger. That group includes like the likes of New England native Jack Eichel, Jeff Skinner, who just signed a new eight-year contract, Jimmy Vesey, Casey Mittlestadt and Rasmus Dahlin. The Sabres have not made the playoffs since 2011, when they lost in seven games to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round.

With the departure of Johansson, there will be an opportunity for someone internally to fill the void heading into next season.

Bruins forward Danton Heinen filed for salary arbitration on Friday, so stay tuned to Boston Hockey Now for the latest news involving the Bruins.