The Colorado Avalanche make a shock trade for center Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators
The Colorado Avalanche acquired Ryan Johansen from the Nashville Predators on Saturday in exchange for upcoming unrestricted free agent Alex Galchenyuk. The trade was one-for-one.
The Predators retain 50 percent of Johansen’s contract, which has two seasons remaining and is worth an average of $8 million per year.
Johansen, 30, scored 28 factors (12 goals, 16 assists) in 55 video games for the Predators last season. He missed the final 27 video games following a surgical procedure on his correct leg.
“Ryan is a talented, experienced center who helps our top six,” Avalanche general manager Chris McFarland said.
“He gives us size in the middle of the ice and brings leadership and experience to our team. We look forward to adding him to our team.”
The Nashville Predators traded Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche.
In return, Nashville acquired previously unrestricted free agent Aleks Galchenyuk
Johansen has 555 factors (189 goals, 366 assists) in 842 NHL video games. Of that amount, 533 video games, 110 goals and 252 assists were played with the Predators.
The Blue Jackets selected him with the fourth overall decision in the 2010 NHL Draft.
Johansen was traded to Nashville on January 6, 2016 in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones, who currently plays for the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Predators introduced Johansen as an alternate captain in 2017-18. together with the main captain Roman Josi and another alternate captain Filip Forsberg.
“On behalf of the Predators organization, we want to thank Ryan for his contributions to our team and our community over the past seven years,” Nashville’s new general manager Barry Trotz said in a statement.
“He has been instrumental in our franchise’s performance since arriving in January 2016, helping us to the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals, the 2018 Presidents Trophy, back-to-back Central Division titles in 2018 and 2019, and multiple postseason appearances.
“Ryan has also dedicated a lot of time to the Predators Foundation and helping us grow the game in Middle Tennessee, including his work with youth hockey in our community. We wish Ryan the best in Colorado.”
Johansen had 533 video games, 110 goals and 252 assists in eight seasons in Nashville.
Galchenyuk, 29, will become an unrestricted free agent if he does not complete a deal with the Predators in the coming days.
The forward registered a minus-8 ranking and failed to reach some level in 11 video games with the Avalanche last season.
Galchenyuk scored 354 factors (146 goals, 208 assists) in 654 professional video games with the Montreal Canadiens, Arizona Coyotes, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Avs. He was selected by the Canadiens with the third overall decision in the 2012 NHL Draft.
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