Preds, Jackets both address issues with deal
Johansen gives much-needed offence to Nashville, Jones could be cornerstone in Ohio
Two former fourth overall picks are changing teams in a trade that will have a major affect on the landscape of the NHL now — and at least several years to come. The Columbus Blue Jackets shipped embattled centre Ryan Johansen, the 2010 No. 4 pick, to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenceman Seth Jones, the 2013 No. 4 pick, on Wednesday night.
Why it makes sense for the Predators:
In dire need of a front line forward. The Predators rank 18th in goals per game and aren’t getting enough production from their forwards. They lack enough game-breakers to back down defences. Entering Jan. 6, only two forwards (Mike Ribeiro and Craig Smith) ranked in the top 100 in points per 60 minutes at even strength among forwards with at least 400 minutes. They have two forwards in double digits in goals, James Neal (15) and Filip Forsberg (10). In a down year, Johansen is tied for second on the Predators with 26 points. His puck luck (six goals on 88 shots) should improve as he’s a career 11 per cent goal scorer. Johansen would’ve led the Predators in goals and points the past two years.
Johansen has star ability. It’s very rare to be able to acquire a first-line centre talent through a trade. The best centres are often drafted and retained. Johansen appeared to be on the brink of becoming one of the game’s best after he recorded 26 goals and 71 points as a 22-year-old. He also has the size (6-3, 203 pounds) teams covet down the middle.
Trading from strength. The Predators boasted the deepest defence in the league. For as good as Jones is and can be, he was receiving the sec- ond-lowest even-strength ice time among regular blue liners. Only Barret Jackman received less. Led by Roman Josi and Shea Weber, this corps is still very good. Anthony Bitetto will get his chance now.
Johansen is affordable. He has two years left on a deal that carries a $4 million cap hit. Then he’ll become a restricted free agent. General manager David Poile still has more than $7.5 million in cap space with which to upgrade the offence if needed. He will also do his best to lock up Johansen long-term.
Why it makes sense for the Blue Jackets:
Cornerstone defenceman. Jack Johnson is miscast as a top defenceman. Ryan Murray has top-pair ability but has mirrored the team’s struggles this year. Jones is scratching the surface of his potential, even if the one goal and 11 points don’t fully show it. He had eight goals and 27 points as a 20-year-old in 2014-15. It’s not often you can add a defenceman with Jones’ all-around ability. He also has a right-handed shot and should thrive with more responsibility. Jones is also still in the final year of his entry-level contract.
Blue Jackets’ problems start on de
fence. Columbus has given up the most goals in the NHL at 3.17 per
game. It’s not all on the goaltending either. Jones has driven play at a 58 per cent clip, eight per cent better than Columbus’s best possession blueliner, Dalton Prout. Jones also suppresses shot attempts very well and is a heady player, making the smart first passes out of the defensive zone. He will be a lockdown presence into the future.
Auston Matthews effect. The Blue Jackets are losing their most talented offensive player. But they could gain an all-world talent in the next draft. Their 33 points are the fewest in the NHL. Adding a promising defenceman won’t do enough to change their course this year. They would seem to be in good position to give themselves the opportunity for the first pick, where Matthews is the favourite. They’d still only have a 20 per cent chance of making it happen, though.
Pieces didn’t fit. There were bad feelings between Johansen and the Blue Jackets ever since the start of negotiations on his current contract. Johansen didn’t want a bridge deal. Then the Blue Jackets slumped, brought in coach John Tortorella and he questioned Johansen’s fitness level. Johansen even spent time on the fourth line and was a healthy scratch.