tbl-Lightning Trade Johansson To Division Rival

Summary

Jonas Johansson’s time with the Tampa Bay Lightning has come to an end. After clearing waivers and being assigned to the Syracuse Crunch, the veteran backup was traded to the Ottawa Senators for future considerations. With the move, the Bolts clear out his $1.25 million cap hit and open up a roster spot. Per Puckpedia the Lightning currently have 47 of their 50 contract slots are taken. Johansson gives the Senators another experienced netminder after Leevi Merilainen was claimed off of waivers by Vancouver. Linus Ullmark and Sam Ersson will get the bulk of playing time, but Johansson will likely see some time on the ice. Since he cleared waivers prior to the trade, Ottawa can assign him to their AHL in Belleville with most of his cap hit buried. The move clears up the goaltending situation in Syracuse for the Crunch as well. Mads Sogaard and Olivier Rodrigue will be the two primary goaltenders with prospect Harrison Meneghin possibly rotating in if he’s not in Orlando for the entire season.