First overall pick defenseman pulled up of lineup with trade looming!
Details here:
HockeyFeed
Sabres head coach Don Granato has explained to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period that while defenseman Erik Johnson has missed past games due to an illness, he is now out of Buffalo’s lineup because of “the time of the year.” He not played since February 27th in Florida.
While Pagnotta won’t officially his absence from tonight’s lineup in the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs is due to trade reasons, he adds: “GM Kevyn Adams has been working with agent Pat Brisson to find EJ a contender to join.”
“(Erik)’s been great. In so many areas, presence, but just his wealth of experience at this level.” Granato said when talking about his blue liner ahead of the game. “The challenges he’s had lots and lots of them in his career and lots of learning experiences. For him to be able to share them with our players and situations whether it be five-on-five and penalty kill. On the penalty kill, he’s really helped the group’s confidence grow.”
It has been recently reported that interest for Johnson has increased with teams inquiring about the Sabres’ asking price. Johnson is a reliable right-shot defenseman that could be traded ahead of Friday’s deadline, especially with the market for blue liners dwindling following transactions involving top targets in Chris Tanev, Sean Walker and Noah Hanifin.
Earlier on Wednesday, Buffalo acquired defenseman Bowen Byram from the Colorado Avalanche in return for forward Casey Mittelstadt in a one-for-one deal.
Johnson’s presence could be the leadership the young roster and back end need, but the Sabres might be tempted to move the former first overall pick if the offers are too hard to refuse.
Recommended articles:
