While the Washington Capitals‘ acquisition of Marcus Johansson drew most of the attention at the 2022 NHL trade deadline, the team’s deal for forward Johan Larsson gives the team added depth down the middle. On Wednesday, the former Arizona Coyote spoke to the Washington media for the first time.
Larsson spent most of his 10-season NHL career with the Buffalo Sabres, and has one game with the Minnesota Wild and 81 games over almost two seasons with Arizona, but has not played in a Stanley Cup Playoff series in his career.
“It’s very exciting. Everyone wants to be in there…I’m very excited to come here and come to this team and have a push for the playoffs. It’s a little different always coming to a new team. So far it’s been good and I feel like this group been together for awhile and they know they can do it”.
Larsson is expected to make his Capitals debut within a week or so, according to Washington General Manager Brian MacLellan, as he is recovering from sports hernia surgery.
“It’s been good, feeling good and been skating for awhile now and it feels good. Little left, small things left. I feel pretty good now, so I don’t have a timeline on it but hopefully next week or hopefully the week after that”.
Larsson adds depth to the team as they continue to deal with injuries, and give the team another option to aid in shutting down opposing teams’ top players.
“I come in and you always want to do your best, but you know be solid, give everything I have and you can put me [on] the wing, put me at center so I think that’s a good thing. You got to know when they’re out there, you got to be responsible and know the situation you’re in and then you’re always up against good players and take them away as much as you can”.
Larsson has recorded 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 29 Games Played this season, although he is primarily known for his defensive prowess.
Hear from Johan Larsson after his first skate with the Caps since being acquired at the deadline.#ALLCAPS | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/Ppx6DgVNyp
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 23, 2022
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Deep Dive on the Capitals’ 2022 Trade Deadline Acquisitions: Marcus Johansson and Johan Larsson
By Michael Fleetwood
Unless they plan on signiong him for next season this was a waste of a draft pick and a third round pick at that. With so many rookies doing well and available for next season the Caps GM wastes a pick on a guy on IR and a UFA at that. So unless he leads this team to a Cup a pick was wasted.
They’ll be able to trade for picks at the draft. I don’t see spots for Eller or Samsonov next year so they could both be traded. Larsson has A+ defensive metrics and scored .5 points a game out of necessity in a 2nd/3rd line role for the Coyotes. The Capitals probably had to part with a 3rd to outbid other teams. Players like Larsson are in high demand at deadline time.
He looks like Kevin Harvick, who’s with me?!?