Toronto Maple Leafs: Andreas Johnsson deserves spot next season
By James Reeve
With Leo Komarov returning from injury, many believe Andreas Johnsson will be the odd man out for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs clinched a playoff spot thanks to an Ottawa Senators victory over the Florida Panthers last week, making the setup of the roster their main focus moving forward.
Mike Babcock has always liked having Leo Komarov in the line-up, giving him a defensive forward capable of being used effectively on the penalty kill.
Komarov is expected to step back into the line-up almost immediately as a result, but the decision of who to scratch will be a tough one after Johnsson’s positive start to life in the NHL.
In eight regular-season games, Johnsson has a solitary goal and took a handful of face-offs while spending an average 11:18 on the ice.
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His speed and offensive awareness have seen him pick up 16 shots on goal and have a Corsi of 59.3%.
The 5-foot-10, 180 lb young winger has impressed greatly since being given the chance to step up over the past few weeks.
It has been a long journey for the 2013 seventh-round pick, starting his professional career with the discovery of previously undiagnosed asthma, a huge contributing factor to his low draft position, all the way to leading the Marlies in points during a dominant season.
His stellar work in both his homeland and in North America has not gone unnoticed, with fans split as to whether Komarov should replace him so quickly or not.
The playoffs will need the Leafs to be improved defensively, with the physical Komarov providing them with some extra help.
It is understandable why Johnsson could be dropped in favour of one of the team’s alternate captains, but the enjoyable cameo he has had will have left a big impression and no doubt see him secure a spot on the NHL team next season.
The Leafs will need to extend Johnsson’s contract, however, as he will be a Restricted Free Agent himself this summer – but there isn’t any doubt this will happen at the earliest opportunity.
With the Leafs potentially losing a number of big names in free agency this summer, having Johnsson ready to step up in October will be a blessing for Babcock, giving him another exciting young player to partner with the many others filling out the team’s line-up.
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What do you think Toronto Maple Leafs fans? Who would you rather see in the line-up now – Komarov or Johnsson? And do you think Johnsson will be guaranteed a spot on the team next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!