Drafted in the seventh round back in 2013, Andreas Johnsson‘s progression to this point has been impressive. After three successful seasons with Frolunda HC of the SHL, Johnsson has begun his pursuit of making the Toronto Maple Leafs by making his North American debut.
Toronto Maple Leafs Roster Preview, 50-in-50: Andreas Johnsson
Coming off of a 44 point season and an SHL Championship, Johnsson was tasked with transitioning to the North American game this past fall.
A valued prospect prior to coming over, some hoped for a big performance this past season for Johnsson. Out of the gate, things were slow, however. After suffering a concussion in the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs, Johnsson had a rough start to the 2016-17 season. Through 41 games, the Swede had just 18 points.
After his disappointing start, Johnsson and the Marlies turned it on in the second half. Whether he simply fully recovered from his concussion, or just got comfortable on the smaller ice, Johnsson’s second half put him back near the top of the Leafs’ prospect rankings. In the final 34 games, he scored a whopping 29 points.
By season’s end, Johnsson had racked up 20 goals and 47 points in 75 games. He finished second in goal scoring to Byron Froese, as well as third in points, behind Kerby Rychel and Brendan Leipsic.
In the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs, Johnsson’s impressive goal scoring continued. Although he failed to record an assist, the Swedish sniper netted six goals in just 11 contests.
Profile (via EliteProspects)
Age: 22
Position: LW
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 190 lbs
NHL Draft: Seventh Round, 202nd Overall in 2013 by Toronto
Contract (via CapFriendly)
Signed on June 4, 2015, Andreas Johnsson has one year remaining on his three-year entry level contract. He carries a cap hit of $750,833, the average annual total salary of his contract excluding potential performance bonuses.
Johnsson received a $92,500 signing bonus on July 1 already, while he will make $750,000 in base salary if he plays in the NHL this season. He also has the potential to make $82,500 in performance bonuses.
If he once again plays in the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies, Johnsson will make $70,000. He will be a restricted free agent come season end.
2017-18 Season
Andreas Johnsson will look to build upon a successful second half in 2017-18. The Marlies will be a new look team next year, after losing the likes of Andrew Campbell, Froese, Leipsic, and Seth Griffith. Even Kerby Rychel could be lost come the start of the season, as he is no longer waiver exempt.
This gives ample opportunity for Johnsson to step up into a major role with the Marlies next year. As James van Riemsdyk‘s contract expires at the end of the season, making him an unrestricted free agent, the Leafs could look for an internal replacement. Johnsson’s name is near the top of the list of candidates, and an impressive 2017-18 season could put him in line for a spot in the Maple Leafs’ lineup by fall 2018.
However, the focus is on this upcoming year as a major point in Johnsson’s development. Can he continue his incredible stretch into the new season and produce near a point per game? Or will Johnsson stagnate and become an “AAAA” player, able to produce in the minors but unable to break into the NHL?
The 2017-18 year will be a big decider for Andreas Johnsson’s future. Turning 23 just a couple months into the season, waivers are slowly creeping up on Johnsson. In fact, this year is his last to be sent down without being placed on waivers. A down year, and he could be gone in Toronto altogether.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
