Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Andreas Johnsson made his NHL debut last night against Dallas, time to review his debut!
After a dominant run with the Toronto Marlies, Andreas Johnsson finally got the chance to skate in his first NHL game with the Toronto Maple Leafs. During a shift in the first period, Johnsson was hit pretty hard and required some treatment. Returning to the game with 9 stitches, in which he stated it was a nice souvenir for his debut. I guess since he didn’t score or register an assist, it’ll have to do.
Nine stitches over right eye for Johnsson. Called it "nice souvenir" of first NHL game #Leafs
— Terry Koshan 🇺🇦 (@koshtorontosun) March 15, 2018
Sadly, his debut was rather short, playing just 7 minutes and 34 seconds. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at how Johnsson performed during the rare minutes he was on the ice.
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Missed Opportunity
Playing with linemates Kasperi Kapanen and Tomas Plekanec, the so-called fourth line was stacked with offensive talent. Making it hard to actually call it a fourth line. Though they didn’t get a hard matchup from Babcock, considering the talent they have on their line, their possession numbers were lower than I had hoped.
As a line, they registered a 50,8% Corsi For, which is by all means okay. Individually, Johnsson registered a 46.2% Corsi For and a 42.9 Shots For Percentage. Playing in his first NHL game, these stats are okay. Personally, I am convinced his stats would be higher if given more ice-time. Alas, the Dallas Stars coach Hitchcock doesn’t give his fourth line much ice-time.
Since the Toronto Maple Leafs only had 1 powerplay last night, the opportunity to see Johnsson on the second unit with Nylander never came. Hopefully, it will get a (good) showing tonight, as they face the Buffalo Sabres.
Enjoy The Run
With the chance of getting more ice-time against the Buffalo Sabres, Andreas Johnsson should enjoy the run while he can. Since it is likely he will be sent down to the Marlies again when Matthews returns to the lineup.
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There is no doubt though that the Toronto Maple Leafs have a real gem in their pipeline in Johnsson. There is no doubt in my mind he will crack the opening lineup next season. Johnsson is older for a prospect, which means he’s not the Leafs top prospect, despite being the closest one they have to being NHL ready. Over the next little while it will be interesting to see if Johnsson sitcks around, if he passes Leivo on the depth chart, or if he is quickly returned to the minors. While we’d like to see him up with the Leafs, if the call-up is brief he will still have a chance to win the AHL scoring title.
All stats from naturalstattrick