When Marcus Johansson was traded to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday evening, many Capitals fans were surprised by the move. The suspense lasted a little longer for Johansson who was in Sweden sleeping when the transaction was made.
The Caps made the trade official at 7:49 PM ET, which is 1:49 AM in Johansson’s native Sweden. According Devils general manager Ray Shero, multiple people tried to get ahold of Johansson without success.
Marcus Johansson is in Sweden right now. Ray Shero hasn’t talked to him. “He’s sleeping. No one’s got a hold of him.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 3, 2017
Shero on Johansson: "When he wakes up, it'll be quite the morning."
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 3, 2017
“I found out when I saw all the messages I had on my phone when I woke up,” Johansson said to Per Bjurman of Aftonbladet Sports as translated by Magnus Cadelin. “It’s a huge shock. Wasn’t prepared for this at all.”
Johansson has spent his entire NHL career in the Capitals organization after being drafted in 2009. He’s spent every season since 2010 in the nation’s capital.
“I’ve got mixed emotions. It’s sad leaving Washington. We’ve lived there for 7 years, that’s been a huge part of our lives and we’ve had a lot of fun during that time,” Johansson said to Bjurman. “At the same time it’s exciting and fun trying something new. It’s a challenge and we’re looking forward to it.”
“It was a very big shock. Right now I’m having mixed emotions,” Johansson continued to Bjurman. “It’s sad leaving Washington, but at the same time it’s exciting starting something new.”
Johansson took to Instagram on Monday to thank the teammates, coaches, staff, friends, and fans from his time in DC.
Nicklas Backstrom’s brother, Kristoffer, commented with uplifting words.
“Things will turn out well for you, pal,” Kristoffer commented as translated by Magnus Cadelin. “A big good luck!”
The New Jersey Devils official account also welcome Johansson to the team.
According to Devils GM Ray Shero, the Capitals only wanted draft picks in return for the team’s third leading goalscorer last season.
Shero on Johansson trade: #Caps “didn’t need players back, obviously.” Washington wanted picks.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 3, 2017
Headline photo: Amanda Bowen. Translations by Magnus Cadelin.
Share On