By now, it's no secret what the Blue Jackets are looking to add this offseason.
They're set on defensemen and goaltenders, but they need scoring in a bad way. They've already been linked with Edmonton's Jesse Puljujärvi as well as Winnipeg's Patrik Laine, and now we can add another name to the list: the Maple Leafs' Andreas Johnsson.
Per source, the Columbus Blue Jackets have contacted the Leafs about forward Andreas Johnsson. #Leafs #CBJ
— InsideSource (@InsideSource20) September 26, 2020
Johnsson, 25, was drafted by the Maple Leafs with the 202nd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He's on the smaller size at 5'10" and 181 pounds, but his skating ability and skill with the puck help him make up for it.
He's played three seasons in the NHL, tallying 30 goals and 67 points in 125 games. The Swede had his best season during the 2018-19 campaign, notching 20 goals and 43 points in 73 games while only averaging 13 minutes and 40 seconds of ice time per contest.
The winger is in his second year of a four-year, $13.6 million contract. He carries a cap hit of $3.4 million through the 2022-23 season.
The Blue Jackets and the Maple Leafs would be good trade partners due to the Blue Jackets' surplus of defensemen and the Maple Leafs' need at the position. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen may also look to include Alexander Wennberg in a potential deal, after rumors of a buyout of his contract have begun circling.
