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NHL Free Agency 2018: Toronto Maple Leafs sign Andreas Johnsson

By Thomas G

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 2: Andreas Johnsson #18 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at the Air Canada Centre on April 2, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 2: Andreas Johnsson #18 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at the Air Canada Centre on April 2, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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On Friday, the Toronto Maple Leafs re-signed Andreas Johnson to a one-year deal worth $787,500 in NHL free agency

Forward Andreas Johnsson has agreed to a one-year deal worth $787,500 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now, the $500 is really important, because this deal wouldn’t be complete without it. Like, if that $500 weren’t there, Johnsson wouldn’t have agreed. In all seriousness, that was his qualifying offer. Johnsson accepted it. With this signing, the Leafs have only one player left in NHL free agency – restricted free agent William Nylander.

He was one of the most talented forwards on the Toronto Marlies this season. Johnsson recorded 54 points in 54 regular season games. He also got the opportunity to play in nine games for the Leafs, where he scored three points, in addition to two points in six playoff games. Johnsson posted a very impressive 57.6 Corsi for percentage with the Leafs.

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In the AHL playoffs, Johnsson was without question the Marlies best player. He scored 10 goals and 14 assists for a total of 24 points in 16 games. It is exceedingly clear that Johnsson does not belong in the AHL.

His story is very inspiring. Johnsson was selected at 202nd overall at the 2013 draft. He had to work his way up with the Frolunda HC in the SHL. After a successful 44 point season, Johnsson was finally called up to the Marlies. It’s rare, but these sorts of seventh-round stories are nice whenever they happen.

Johnsson stands at just 5’10” and weighs 181 pounds. He is a very talented player, and the Leafs are lucky that he developed into one. Johnsson might not be the biggest or strongest player, but he has a very high hockey IQ.

Thoughts on the Johnsson Signing

This is one of those signings that is very hard to dislike. The deal is very reasonable, but also quite short. It would be great if Dubas could’ve locked Johnsson down into a longer contract, but that’s not always a possibility.

Must Read: Leafs Have A Gem in Johnsson

The only fear here is that Johnsson may want a pay raise next year. If he had played 82 NHL regular season games, he would be on pace for 27 points. Every single year, Johnsson has shown improvement. Who knows, he could be a 40 point scorer next season. Especially if Johnsson can impress Leafs head coach Mike Babcock early.

With Matthews and Marner pay raises coming right around the corner, as well as an open spot for a defenseman, a longer contract would be preferable. Nevertheless, this is a very good signing. Johnsson has done only good things so far and he knows what he’s doing.

Next: Maple Leafs Offseason Outlook

Hopefully, Johnsson will be a member of this Leafs team for years to come.

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