The Colorado Avalanche have acquired center Ryan Johansen from the Nashville Predators in a trade announced on Saturday. In exchange, the Predators will receive forward Alex Galchenyuk, who is set to become a free agent on July 1.
As part of the agreement, the Predators will retain 50% of Johansen’s $8 million salary cap hit over the next two seasons. This move comes after Nashville had previously retained a portion of Mattias Ekholm’s salary when they traded him to the Edmonton Oilers before the 2023 trade deadline. The Predators can now only retain salary on one more player following the Johansen deal.
The trade provides the Avalanche with the second-line center they needed during much of the 2022-23 season. With Nazem Kadri leaving for the Calgary Flames last summer, Colorado had a void in their lineup, which Johansen is expected to fill. At a cost of just $4 million per year, it is seen as a reasonable gamble for the Avalanche.
Johansen’s performance in the 2021-22 season was impressive, as he recorded 26 goals and 37 assists for a total of 63 points in 79 games. However, his production declined last season, with only 28 points in 55 games, and he suffered a leg injury on February 21 that ended his season. He is expected to recover in time for the start of the 2023-24 season.
For the Predators, this trade creates $4 million in salary cap space and helps alleviate a significant contract. Nashville is currently in a rebuilding phase and has made several trades involving prominent players in recent months, including Ekholm and Mikael Granlund. Johansen had been with the Predators for eight seasons and played a key role as the team’s number one center during their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.
As for Galchenyuk, he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In his brief stint with the Avalanche last season, he failed to register a point in 11 games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NHL trade
Who did the Nashville Predators trade Ryan Johansen to?
The Nashville Predators traded Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche.
Who did the Predators receive in return for Ryan Johansen?
In return for Ryan Johansen, the Predators received Alex Galchenyuk.
Will Ryan Johansen be a free agent after the trade?
No, Ryan Johansen is not set to become a free agent. He was traded with an existing contract.
How much salary cap hit will the Predators retain for Ryan Johansen?
The Predators will retain 50% of Ryan Johansen’s $8 million salary cap hit over the next two seasons.
Why did the Avalanche make this trade?
The Avalanche made this trade to address their need for a second-line center, as they had a void in their lineup after Nazem Kadri’s departure.
How has Ryan Johansen performed in recent seasons?
In the 2021-22 season, Ryan Johansen recorded 26 goals and 37 assists for a total of 63 points in 79 games. However, his production declined in the following season.
What impact does this trade have on the Predators’ salary cap?
This trade frees up $4 million in salary cap space for the Predators, helping them in their rebuilding mode and removing a significant contract.
How long has Ryan Johansen played for the Predators?
Ryan Johansen played eight seasons with the Predators before being traded to the Avalanche.
Did Alex Galchenyuk have a successful stint with the Avalanche?
No, Alex Galchenyuk failed to register a point in 11 games during his brief time with the Avalanche last season.
What other notable trades have the Predators made recently?
The Predators have made other notable trades, including trading Mattias Ekholm and Mikael Granlund in the past few months as part of their rebuilding efforts.
More about NHL trade
- Nashville Predators Official Website
- Colorado Avalanche Official Website
- Ryan Johansen NHL Profile
- Alex Galchenyuk NHL Profile
- NHL Trade Deadline Information
- Nashville Predators Rebuilding Mode
- Colorado Avalanche Second-Line Center
5 comments
galchenyuk didn’t do sh*t for us last season, glad he’s gone. avs needed a center badly and johansen is a good gamble for 4mil a year. hope he steps up!
ryan johanson had a rough season last yr but his 2021-22 was sick! he got 26 goals 37 assist 63 points! hope he recovers from his leg injury for next season!
big move in the NHL! johansen to avs for galchenyuk. preds free up cap space and avs get a second-line center. let’s see how this trade pans out!
preds rebuildin and tradin away big names. sad to see johansen go, he was a key player in our cup run in 2017. hope galchenyuk does better with us!
this trade is amazin avs needed a second-line center so bad after kadri left. johansen could be a good fit at 4mil per year, preds get cap space too!