Rumors of potential trade pick as restricted free agent demands $5.25 million.

There were trade rumors going back as far as late June regarding Washington Capitals restricted free agent forward Marcus Johansson and when you consider just how talented Johansson is it's not surprising multiple teams were rumored to have inquired about his availability.

Those rumors have picked up steam again after Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that not only was there a large hap between the Capitals and Johansson in arbitration, but that Johansson was looking to get paid significant money right away. According to Friedman while the Capitals initial offer was a mere $3.85 million, the demand from the Johansson camp was a whopping $5.25 million.

It's a tough spot for Washington who reportedly want to keep Johansson on their roster and for good reason, he's average 0.59 points per game over his last four seasons with Washington, his kind of production is not easily replaced.

[pub]