It is going to be a big change of scenery and culture for Marcus Johansson, but he is embracing the new attitude.
Johansson was traded Wednesday from the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Capitals to the Devils, who finished last in the Eastern Conference this past season and have been out of the playoffs for five straight years. The Swede, who turns 27 on Oct. 6, knows he was part of a salary-cap purge in Washington, and knows that the Devils are still in a rebuilding mode. But he is comfortable with his new situation.
“Honestly, I just see the positives,” Johansson said on a conference call Friday. “We have a really interesting team. It’s something that’s moving in the right direction, too. I don’t mind being an underdog, either. We have a great team and if we put all the pieces together, we can surprise a lot of people. I’m excited to be part of something that’s being built.”
General manager Ray Shero obtained Johansson for second-round and third-round picks, both of which were acquired in other deals. Johansson carries a $4.583 million salary-cap hit for the next two seasons. He spent most of his time with the Capitals playing either left wing or center, but said he also can play the right side if need be.
“I just want to try and play my game, try to play with a lot of speed, try to be creative and use my linemates as much as I can,” said Johansson, who set career highs this past season with 24 goals and 58 points. “I think most Swedish players are like that.”
The Devils had the fewest goals in the conference this past season, and are hoping Johansson can help by putting up some points. At 6-foot-1, 209 pounds, he is not the biggest guy, but Shero hopes he can help his team climb out of the cellar.
“It’s been a little different week for me and my family, but I think [to] everyone at first it’s kind of shocking and weird when you get traded,” Johansson said. “It takes a little for it sink in. But now I think that we’re very excited about this, I think it’s a great opportunity for me and my family to take the next step in my career.”