Nashville Predators‘ 7th year center Ryan Johansen(92) gets a new 8-year, $8M per deal to stick around with the team long-term.
The big forward is coming off a season, where he recorded a career high 47 assists in a third full calendar of 82 NHL games.
He also added another 3 goals and 10 assists with a +12 rating through 14 Stanley Cup Playoff contests and only didn’t play more through the Finals‘ bow out due to injury.
The three-time 60+ point-guy (71 in 2014/2015) is well worth the money as he’s become a #1 center and by example easily leads.
At 25-years old (today-Happy Birthday!), he’ll be a first time unrestricted agent at the end of 2025, when he’s 32.
Ryan Johansen(9) Springfield Falcons
Columbus Blues Jackets‘ 1st round pick in the 2010 draft (#4 overall), center Ryan Johansen(9) is spending time playing in the AHL with their affiliate Springfield Falcons as the big club sits on the sidelines.
In a pair of home games over opening weekend he tallied his first ever goal in the league.
The 6’3″ 203 lbs. player scored a handy 9 goals and 12 assists in 67 NHL games in his rookie season with the Jackets.
At 20-years old playing games in the minors will only give him more playing and scoring confidence.
He already shows he has the skill set to achieve power forward status as he continues to grow into his game.
His entry level contract is a three-year deal through 2013/2014.
He tore up the scoring sheet in his only two seasons in juniors before deciding to turn pro.
Obviously being such a high draft pick, a lot will be expected of him but the future looks bright…