Johansen looking to take 'the next step' with Predators
We can forgive Ryan Johansen for being in high demand on what proved to be a life-changing day.
The 23-year-old forward was traded to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday, with young defenseman Seth Jones heading back to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
With his phone constantly dinging with calls and texts, Johansen addressed the media following the official announcement, expressing both excitement and gratitude while looking forward and back.
"A lot of thoughts going through my head right now. (That's a) really good hockey club over there in Nashville," Johansen said on a conference call Wednesday. "This is a huge opportunity for me to take the next step in my career."
Johansen had nothing but positive things to say about his time in Columbus, despite an apparently contentious relationship with new head coach John Tortorella, who benched him on more than one occasion.
Johansen: ``My relationship with Torts was good ... he's just a type of in-your-face coach, tries to get best out of you...''
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 7, 2016
Johansen added that he wasn't shocked by the news, and provided his take on the deal.
"All of the rumours the last few days were me for Seth Jones, so it wasn't really a surprise. Both teams might be winning."
Kekalainen: "This has nothing to do with John Tortorella or his relationship with Ryan Johansen." Said it's strictly a hockey trade. #CBJ
— Rob Mixer (@RobMixer) January 7, 2016
In Johansen, the Predators have added a highly-talented and much-coveted center who will cement them as a contender in the Western Conference, despite the loss of a defenseman with a world of upside.
Johansen is in the second season of a three-year contract that carries a cap hit of $6 million, and will become a restricted free agent at the end of 2016-17.