Caps Re-Up Johansson

With the NHL switching to their training camps this coming week, teams are now going to be in some kind of panic mode to make sure all of their top end restricted free agents (to which, there are a few) get signed and ready for camp with the rest of the team. On Saturday morning, the Washington Capitals did just that, re-signing their last free agent and now they can go to camp with a secure feeling that everyone is ready to go.

Marcus Johansson, just coming out of his entry-level deal, signed one of those "bridge" contracts that everyone is talking about these days, the contract between their ELC and their expected long-term, big money deal that could possibly take them into unrestricted free agency.  Johansson signed a 2-year, $4 million deal  and that should get him into the line-up and give him the opportunity to show off his stuff to sign that long-term deal.

Johansson has been a productive member of the Capitals, since his rookie season in 2011, as his numbers have been going up consistently.  In the shortened 2013 season, Johansson played in 34 games, scored 6 goals and added 16 assists for a scoring rate of 0.65 points per game, which isn't too bad at all.

I have him projected well, but I don't think I could deny that he has some greater upside to his game, which could be projected a little better with a really good training camp.  This is a player that you will want to keep an eye out for.

The Capitals, going into camp, look like they have a pretty tight roster to try and crack for some of the players on the outside looking in.  Washington has done well to add some depth this year and they have taken a fairly solid core from last season and now they have just enough breathing room against the upper ceiling of the salary cap.  There could be a little bit of play in there, if someone doesn't make the team right away, but I think this line-up looks about right.