Marcus Johansson

Capitals GM MacLellan wanted a longer deal for Johansson

Published Aug. 4, 2015 2:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

If the decision was solely up to Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan, Marcus Johansson would be signed to the Capitals for several more seasons.

But there are two sides to the equation, and the Johansson camp seemed to disagree with MacLellan on how much the 24-year-old winger was worth to the Capitals.

An arbitrator would have to ultimately decide on Johansson's worth, and Johansson was re-signed to a one-year, $3.75 million contract.

According to the Washington Post's Alex Prewitt, MacLellan wanted a longer contract for Johansson, but the two sides simply couldn't come together. From Prewitt's story:

MacLellan said the Capitals "wanted to pursue a longer-term deal," but had "differences from the get-go in the value" of Johansson's services. Though finding comparable skaters for arbitration proved easier with Johansson, the gap in money prohibited reaching a deal before the third party issued her ruling. MacLellan said he "talked a couple times" with agent Marc Levine during breaks at the hearing and afterward, but nothing more came to fruition."

Now, the Capitals will see Johansson become a restricted free agent once again next offseason. Johansson will have another full season to prove his worth to the team.

Johansson scored 20 goals and 47 points last season, playing primarily as a second-line left wing. But now, with the T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams acquisitions, and the emergence of Andre Burakovsky, Johansson may be pushed down to a third-line role.

(h/t The Score)

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Marcus Johansson

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