Predators Trade Fan Favorite Ryan Johansen To Colorado Avalanche

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Ryan Johansen. Photo: Courtesy of the Nashville Predators

In shocking fashion, incoming Nashville Predators have traded longtime Predator Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche for forward Alex Galchenyuk.

The Predators will retain 50 percent of Johansen’s contract, which has two years ($8 million annual average value) remaining.

“On behalf of the Predators organization, we want to thank Ryan for his contributions to our team and community over the last seven-plus years,” says incoming Preds General Manager Barry Trotz. “He played a large role in our franchise’s accomplishments since arriving in January 2016, helping lead us to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, the 2018 Presidents’ Trophy, back-to-back Central Division titles in 2018 and 2019 and several postseason appearances. Ryan also dedicated a considerable amount of time to the Predators Foundation and helped us grow the game in Middle Tennessee, including his work with youth hockey in our community. We wish Ryan all the best in Colorado.”

Johansen has been a fan favorite since he joined the team in 2016. He was the No. 4 pick in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has 555 points (189 goals, 366 assists) in 842 regular-season games with the Predators and Blue Jackets and 54 points (19 goals, 35 assists) in 67 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

This past season, Johansen had 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 55 games. The 30-year-old center had surgery on his right leg and missed the final 27 games of the season after he was cut by a skate blade against the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 21.

Galchenyuk, 29, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Steven Boero
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