The Nashville Predators will be without center Ryan Johansen for about 12 weeks after injuring his right leg Tuesday.
Likely out for the remainder of the regular season, Johansen could return in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. But the Predators entered Thursday seven points behind the Minnesota Wild for the second Western Conference wild-card spot.
Johansen, who has 12 goals among 28 points in 55 games this season, suffered the injury during a 5-4 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks. Defenseman Quinn Hughes’ skate blade appeared to make contact with the back of Johansen’s leg.
“It didn’t look good,” Nashville coach John Hynes said, as reported by NHL.com.
Thank you for everything, Orly! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0tZlpuv1cA
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 23, 2023
Capitals Make Deal To Enhance Team Rebuild
Just as the Washington Capitals got Alex Ovechkin back from bereavement leave, the front office shipped away Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway to the Boston Bruins on Thursday.
The Bruins also acquired Andrei Svetlakov in the three-team deal with the Wild.
Entering a rebuilding stage, the Capitals received Craig Smith, a 2023 first-round draft pick, a ‘24 third-round selection and a ‘25 second-round choice.
The Wild get back a ‘23 fifth-round draft pick from the Bruins.
“This trade allows us to acquire draft capital, infuse youth and restock our system,” Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan told NHL.com. “While this season has proven challenging with injuries to our significant players, we are in a position to use some of our current assets to retool our club and build a competitive team moving forward.”
We have another trade ‼️ pic.twitter.com/LQ0ZMTRFui
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 23, 2023
Busy Blackhawks Make Minor Trade with Ducks
The Chicago Blackhawks, who are beginning a roster teardown, remain busy on the trade market. No deal is too small for general manager Kyle Davidson.
One day after acquiring Nikita Zaitsev and draft assets from the Ottawa Senators, the Blackhawks executed a minor move by sending Josiah Slavin to the Anaheim Ducks for Hunter Drew.
Both players are regarded as AHL talents.
The Blackhawks also signed David Gust to a two-way deal and recalled the forward from the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs on Thursday.
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