HabsWorld.net --
On Tuesday, it was announced that Canadiens prospect Mikael Johansson has
signed a 3 year extension with Swedish team Farjestad, effectively ending his
time in the Canadiens organization. Johansson, a 9th round selection of
Detroit back in 2003 (289th overall) signed a 1 year contract with the Canadiens
last offseason.
Many hoped Johansson would be able to stick with the Habs right away but
early in camp it became evident that he needed some AHL seasoning. He
began the season with the Hamilton Bulldogs but inconsistent play and injuries
prevented him from being more than a depth player. He amassed 3 goals and
3 assists in 20 games with a pair of penalty minutes before being granted an
indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons. A few days later, it was
announced that he had agreed to return to Farjestad, where he picked up 6 points
(all assists) in 12 games.
Johansson will be a restricted free agent on July 1st. Watch for the
Habs to extend him a qualifying offer to maintain his NHL rights, similar to
Janne Lahti back in 2008.