Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 3 Late Round Picks Since 2010

Andreas Johnsson

Andreas Johnsson, who’s story is unlike any other, is your Toronto Maple Leafs best draft steal since 2010, and rightly so.

Johnsson was selected in the 7th round, in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, 202nd Overall. In his Draft year, Johnsson had a number of obstacles in his path. He was dealing with a little thing called undiagnosed asthma which hindered his performance. Johnsson was held to 54 points in 42 games in the Swedish Juinor League.

After Johnsson’s struggles in his draft year, he exploded. 24 points in 44 games for Frölunda. He also went on to represent Sweden at the WJC in 2014 and record 6 points in 7 games while assisting his team in capturing a silver medal.

Johnsson came over to North America in 2016 to join the Toronto Marlies after a very successful career in Sweden. He would spent parts of two seasons with them while playing up with the Leafs for the tailend of the second season. In 129 career games in the AHL, Johnsson tallied 101 points before being called up to the Leafs for their playoff run agaisnt the Bruins in 2018 (we all know how that ended).

After the disapointting loss, Johnsson was sent back down to the Marlies to dominate in capturing the Calder Cup. Johnsson led his team in points and was named playoff MVP.

After his notable run in the AHL, it was apparant that Johnsson would be ready to be a full time NHLer the next season, and that’s just what he did. In 73 games during the 2018-19 season, Johnsson notched 20 goals and 43 points – good enough for 8th in calder voting (all stats hockeyreference.com).

From his rookie campaign, Johnsson was rightfully awarded a 4-year $13.6 million ($3.4 million AAV) contract.  Sadly this past season, Johnsson was injury ridden, only playing 43 games. He still recorded 21 points but missed a majority of the season and only played in one of the play-in games against Columbus.

Johnsson was traded away this offseason to the New Jersey Devils for a boatload of capspace and for prospect Joey Anderson.  Andreas Johnsson can and will be a consistent 20 goal scorer who can play up and down the lineup. The Devils are a lucky team to have him and it broke my heart to see Johnsson leave and I’m sure he will be a great fit for the Devils.

Johnsson has yet to reach his ceiling. I believe Johnsson is a valuable player who will slot in perfectly to NJ’s top-6 and make a name for himself. If Johnsson can avoid the injury bug he will continue to grow and without a doubt become the Leafs best draft steal since 2010 (even though he won’t be playing for them anymore).