Johansen traded to Avalanche by Predators for Galchenyuk

Ryan Johansen was traded to the Colorado Avalanche by the Nashville Predators for Alex Galchenyuk on Saturday.

Johansen had 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 55 games this season. The 30-year-old center had surgery on his right leg and missed the final 27 games of the season after he was cut by a skate blade against the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 21.

He has two seasons remaining on an eight-year, $64 million contract ($8 million average annual value) signed with the Predators on July 28, 2017.

"Ryan is a talented, veteran center who helps our top six," Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said. "He gives us size (6-foot-3, 218 pounds) in the middle of the ice and brings leadership and experience to our roster. We look forward to adding him to our team."

RELATED: [2022-23 NHL Trade Tracker]

Johansen was the No. 4 pick in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was traded to the Predators by the Blue Jackets for defenseman Seth Jones on Jan. 6, 2016. He has 555 points (189 goals, 366 assists) in 842 regular-season games with the Predators and Blue Jackets and 54 points (19 goals, 35 assists) in 67 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

"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 Predators 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."

Galchenyuk, a forward, did not have a point in 11 games with the Avalanche this season and can be an unrestricted free agent July 1. The No. 3 pick in the 2012 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, Galchenyuk has 354 points (146 goals, 208 assists) in 654 games with the Avalanche, Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Canadiens, and 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 38 playoff games.