Report: Nicklas Backstrom opens up about the trade of Marcus Johansson

After the Washington Capitals agreed to terms of a monster eight-year, $62.4 million contract with Evgeny Kuznetsov, everybody knew there were changes coming in the organization. But it is fair to believe not many people could have predicted that 26-year-old Marcus Johansson would be the one dealt away. 

Caps' star forward Nicklas Backstrom was certainly stunned to learn that his teammate and close friend would be playing elsewhere next year. Here is what he told NHL.com's Tom Gulitti:

"Absolutely, I was surprised and I think everybody else was too. But at the same time this is part of the business that we all agree on when we sign the contract. We know this could happen. Especially it's going to be tough for me and my family because we're close friends with Marcus. At the same time, it is what it is. You've got to deal with it."

Johansson carried a $4.5M contract and his departure frees up a bit of space in the Capitals' roster. The centerman earned 58 points in 82 games last season and has been steadily improving through his seven years in Washington. 

He was selected in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2009 NHL draft by the Caps and will surely be missed next season.