Per reports out of Sweden, the Chicago Blackhawks are ‘very close’ to signing Lars Johansson from the SHL.
At 28 years of age, Johansson posted a .927 save percentage and 1.74 goals against average this season with Frolunda, and was even better with a .947 save percentage and a 1.43 goals against average during their ride in the playoffs. He’s been absolutely incredible, serving a 27-6-0 record in 2015-16, with only 54 goals against in 37 games played, leading Frolunda to the SHL Championship.
Blackhawks To Sign SHL Goalie Lars Johansson
There may not be a lot of room for Johansson on the ‘Hawks bench with Corey Crawford entrenched in the starting position and with Chicago native Scott Darling backing him up. The Swedish netminder will need to outplay Darling in training camp to earn a spot on the team, but its more likely he starts the year in Rockford, as the Ice Hogs been cycling through goaltenders during the 2015-16’ season. (Mac Carruth, Michael Leighton, Mark Visentin, Drew MacIntyre)
With Leighton and Visentin as UFA’s this summer, Johansson will likely be finding himself in Rockford to start next season, as he’s spent his entire career in Sweden and won’t be used to NHL hockey. If Scott Darling expects more money after his strong season season– 12-8-3 .915 save percentage, 2.58 GAA– his affordability could be put to the test.
One should expect Johansson might get a chance to play after first getting getting some experience at the AHL level. He certainly has the size and skill to have an impact in North America. How much impact he has is going to be largely dependent on how he performs in the AHL.
The ‘Hawks have a great opportunity with Johansson. They now have two possible backup goaltenders, and if things don’t work out with Darling next season, they will have something to fall back on.
Main Photo:
GOTHERBURG, SWEDEN – JANUARY 13: 1 Lars Johansson of Frolunda during the Champions Hockey League semi final first leg game between Frolunda and Karpat at Frolundaborgs Isstadion on January 13, 2015 in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Frolunda Gothenburg/Champions Hockey League via Getty Images)
