Editor In Leaf
Fansided

Toronto Maple Leafs: Don’t Forget Andreas Johnsson

By D.J. Llewellyn

TORONTO, ON - MAY 10: PREGAME SKATE. Toronto Marlies left wing Andreas Johnsson (11) warms up during the pregame skate. Johnson is sporting a black eye and repaired nose after a fight in the last game. Toronto Marlies V Syracuse Crunch during 1st period action 2nd round of AHL playoffs at Ricoh Coliseum. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 10: PREGAME SKATE. Toronto Marlies left wing Andreas Johnsson (11) warms up during the pregame skate. Johnson is sporting a black eye and repaired nose after a fight in the last game. Toronto Marlies V Syracuse Crunch during 1st period action 2nd round of AHL playoffs at Ricoh Coliseum. Toronto Star/Rick Madonik (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Toronto Maple Leafs need a number of things. One thing they don’t need is more wingers.

Kasperi Kapanen, Kerby Rychel, and Josh Leivo are all fighting for a spot (and possibly the only spot) in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup. There is another player however that is not too far off yet often forgotten, Andreas Johnsson.

Some History…

Not many people knew of Andreas Johnsson. He was drafted by the Leafs 202nd overall in 2013. Most late picks are after thoughts and Johnsson’s one point in seven games in the SEL (now the SHL) was nothing to get very excited about.

In the SHL

More from Editor In Leaf

Johnsson was said to be “lacking drive” according to some. As it turned out, he’s asthmatic but was undiagnosed at the time.

After taking medication and receiving treatment, any questions about drive quickly disappeared. His offensive production improved drastically.

In 2014, Johnsson won rookie of the year in the Swedish Hockey League. The following year he led his team in goals.

The year after, he won a championship with Frolunda. Not too shabby.

Johnsson put up 79 points in 107 games in the SHL before coming over to North America to join the Toronto Marlies. He played a couple of playoff games before this nasty elbow ended his season.

In the AHL

In 75 AHL games, Johnsson has put up a decent 47 points, including 20 goals. Those numbers aren’t mind blowing but there are a couple of things to consider.

This past season was Johnsson’s first playing in North America. It was also coming off of a serious concussion and a life time of hockey in Sweden. For many European players, it takes time getting used to the smaller ice surface, injured or not.

Johnsson has Skill

The Leafs are all about skill and Johnsson has lots of it. The speedy left wing forward thinks quickly, passes and shoots well. He has the hands and vision to be patient with the puck to make the best play, not just the safe one. A player like him fits the Leafs like a glove.

This Upcoming Season…

A lot of things are up in the air regarding the Leafs roster. James van Riemsdyk likely moves or only plays out the final year of his deal. If he’s moved, that opens up a left wing spot on the team.

Who will fill it if that happens? Kapanen is ready but plays the right wing. Rychel brings some more grit, but not much else. Leivo produces when he plays, but Babcock never plays him.

With a crowded roster, Johnsson is likely starting his second season in the AHL. If another spot does open up, he’ll certainly be in the running for consideration. With a great summer and camp, Johnsson may end up throwing a wrench in a lot of people’s projected lineups.

Next: Babcock's Defensive Pairings

That’s not exactly the worst problem to have.

Home/Analysis