Colorado Avalanche make surprise trade for Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen

The Colorado Avalanche acquired forward Ryan Johansen from the Nashville Predators on Saturday in exchange for pending unrestricted free agent Alex Galchenyuk. The trade was one-for-one.

The Predators will retain 50 percent of Johansen’s contract, which has two seasons remaining at an $8 million annual average value.

Johansen, 30, totaled 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 55 games last season with the Predators. He missed the final 27 games following surgery on his right leg.

‘Ryan is a talented, veteran center who helps our top six,’ Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said. 

‘He gives us size in the middle of the ice and brings leadership and experience to our roster. We look forward to adding him to our team.’

In return, Nashville received pending unrestricted free agent forward Alex Galchenyuk

Johansen has totaled 555 points (189 goals, 366 assists) in 842 NHL games. Of that tally, 533 games, 110 goals, and 252 assists were with the Predators. 

He was selected by the Blue Jackets with the fourth overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft.

Johansen was traded to Nashville on January 6, 2016 in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones – who currently plays for the Chicago Blackhawks. 

With the Predators, Johansen was announced as an alternate captain in the 2017-18 season – alongside main captain Roman Josi and fellow alternate Filip Forsberg.

‘On behalf of the Predators organization, we want to thank Ryan for his contributions to our team and community over the last seven-plus years,’ incoming Nashville general manager Barry Trotz said. 

‘He played a large role in our franchise’s accomplishments since arriving in January 2016, helping lead us to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, the 2018 Presidents’ Trophy, back-to-back Central Division titles in 2018 and 2019 and several postseason appearances.

‘Ryan also dedicated a considerable amount of time to the Predators Foundation and helped us grow the game in Middle Tennessee, including his work with youth hockey in our community. We wish Ryan all the best in Colorado.’

Johansen racked up 533 games, 110 goals, and 252 assists over eight seasons in Nashville

Galchenyuk, 29, will become an unrestricted free agent if he does not agree to a deal with the Predators in the coming days.

The forward registered a minus-8 rating and did not record a point in 11 games this past season with Avalanche.

Galchenyuk totaled 354 points (146 goals, 208 assists) in 654 career games with the Montreal Canadiens, Arizona Coyotes, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Avs. He was selected by the Canadiens with the third overall pick of the 2012 NHL Draft.

The NHL’s chaotic free agency period officially opens at noon on Saturday, July 1.