Minnesota Wild: Can the Wild Acquire Marcus Johansson?

The search for another forward could lead the Minnesota Wild to cash in on a developing situation with the Washington Capitals. Marcus Johansson is now a day away from an arbitration hearing that the club does not want to face, so could the Caps move him to a team like Minnesota?

As the Minnesota Wild conducted their prospect camp this past week, you got the sense that all the free-agent and trade talks had been put on hold in favor of taking a moment to size up the club’s prospect pool. Now that the camp is clearly in the rear view mirror the focus of the club will need to quickly shift back to the free-agent and trade market. Closest alligator to the boat right now is the Wild’s full-court press to sign Matt Dumba, and the impending arbitration hearing of Jordan Schroeder.

The trade market may seem like something that the Wild don’t have time to explore right now, but as the days go by without Dumba signing you have to think the possibility of him being moved increases. Add to that other franchises are having the same issues with some of their RFAs, and you can see where the Wild could be looking into trade options with clubs.

One situation that is developing is the Washington Capitals and their negotiations with forward Marcus Johansson. Right now the two sides are very far off. According to the Washington Post the Caps are offering him $3.85 million and Johansson is looking for $5.25 million.

That divide seems to be fueled by the impending Johansson filed arbitration hearing that is scheduled for Wednesday, which becomes more and more possible as both sides refuse to budge. The feeling is that a hearing will more than likely go more in favor of Johansson vice the Caps as the comparable salaries dictate a number closer to $5 million.

So with no deal in site, and a likely hearing outcome to be a number the Caps don’t want, you have to think that GM Brian MacLellan has started shopping Johansson. Enter the Wild and it seems that a deal for Johansson would help satisfy their quest for another forward. Johansson has scored 40 or more points in the last three seasons and offers another solid option for the struggling power play, both things the Wild need and want.

Mar 5, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Marcus Johansson (90) hits the post with a shot on Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) in the second period at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The Wild could offer their own RFA problem child Matt Dumba in a trade for Johansson, but with $5.8 million in cap space it could be difficult for the Wild. Fletcher will want to end the summer with at least $2-3 million in cap space as to accommodate possible in-season moves, so that would drive another player to be traded with Dumba or another player other than Dumba all together.

The issue is for what number Johansson would actually accept. The $5.25 million might be a high sale right now to use as leverage in the arbitration hearing. So his actual number could be more like $4 to 4.5 million. That is more manageable and could mean only a minor cap hit piece would need to accompany Dumba to Washington. Even if a player like Christian Folin, who is making $775,000, was to be dealt with Dumba it would ensure a $2 million cap space if Johansson signs for $4.5 million.