The Washington Capitals have acquired center Johan Larsson from the Arizona Coyotes for the Capitals third round pick in 2023. He is presently making $1,400,000 this season and is an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Coyotes will retain 50% of his salary.
WSH exchange for Larsson is a 2023 third-round pick to Arizona. Larsson, 29, is coming off sports hernia surgery in early Feb. Has missed the last 19 games.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) March 21, 2022
Larsson would be a 5th center or bottom-six left-wing candidate for the Capitals. The 29-year old is coming off of a sports hernia surgery in early February. He was placed on IR on February 8.
Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said Larsson, who is coming off sports hernia surgery, will need about a week, give or take, of practice time.
“A strong two-way player with good hockey sense and on-ice vision. Not overly flashy or technically skilled, but Larsson works hard, passes the puck well and is very valuable in all zones of the ice. A true team player with some nice offensive upside too. Decent skater, but could be faster. Leadership qualities.”
Larsson has played the last two seasons with the Arizona Coyotes. Prior to that he played seven years for the Buffalo Sabres. Larson was originally drafted by Minnesota in the second round (#56 overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. Larsson played only one game with Minnesota before being dealt to Buffalo at the 2013 deadline in a multi-player swap that sent veteran winger Jason Pominville to the Wild.
Johan Larsson, acquired by WSH, has quietly been one of the most effective shut-down centres in the league. He did it for years in Buffalo’s bottom six, and – as a flex – did it in Arizona’s top six as well this season. Classic MacLellan pickup. #AllCaps pic.twitter.com/lyebzhCNHz
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 21, 2022
Although he displayed some scoring prowess in three AHL seasons early in his career, Larsson has settled in as a bottom-six forward whose value is chiefly in his defensive ability. He is capable of playing center or on the wing. Now in his 10th NHL season, Larsson has yet to get a taste of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
From The Capitals
The Washington Capitals have acquired forward Johan Larsson from the Arizona Coyotes for a 2023 third round pick, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. Arizona will retain 50% of Larsson’s contract.
Larsson, 29, a native of Lau, Sweden, recorded 15 points (6g, 9a) in 29 games with the Coyotes this season. The 5’11”, 206-pound forward ranked second among Arizona forwards in penalty kill time per game (1:49). Additionally, Larsson’s 4.57 relative shot attempt percentage at five-on-five ranked first among Coyotes with at least 20 games played.
Johan Larsson will wear 2️⃣2️⃣ with the Washington Capitals#ALLCAPS | @FTX_Official pic.twitter.com/cvDWhDcqsA
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 21, 2022
In 474 career games with the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres and Arizona, Larsson has recorded 126 points (52g, 74a).
Larsson was selected by Minnesota in the second round, 56th overall, in the 2010 NHL Draft.
Larsson has represented Sweden in the World Junior Championship in 2018, winning a gold medal after recording two assists in 13 games. Johansson also represented Sweden in the 2011 and 2012 World Junior Championship, captaining the team in 2012 en route to a gold medal.
By Jon Sorensen