Wild acquires veteran forward Marcus Johansson from Capitals

The Washington Capitals continue to offload players before Friday’s trade deadline, sending forward Markus Johansson to the Minnesota Wild for a 2024 third-round pick on Tuesday.

Johansson has 13 goals and 28 points in 60 games with Washington this season. Going in a solid two-way, he plans to take on a middle-six role at the Wild. He previously played with the organization during the COVID-19-shortened 2020-21 campaign, when Johansson scored six goals and 14 points in 36 games.

Although Johansson’s production is down from his peak, he must add the scoring depth Minnesota lacked throughout the year. The Wild — who sit in third place in the Central Division — were looking for a boost in that area ahead of a potential postseason run.

The 32-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

Washington drafted Johansson in the first round (24th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and he spent seven seasons there, 2010-17, before the Capitals moved him to New Jersey. Johansson made stops from there at Boston, Buffalo, Minnesota and Seattle before Washington bought him back at the 2022 trade deadline.

Capitals are in a different situation in March. The 2018 Stanley Cup champions are three points out of the second eastern spot for the Wild Cards, and GM Brian McClellan has begun moving veteran players to stock up on more snaps and prospects. Washington traded defenseman Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway to Boston last week, and others in the organization have also attracted interest.

The trade deadline is 3 pm on Friday.