It's been a long time since the Leafs turned a seventh round pick into an everyday NHL player. Carl Gunnarsson, drafted in 2007, has played more than 400 games. Before Gunnarsson, Anton Stralman (2005) and Shawn Thornton (1997) -- who never played a game for the Leafs -- were the last.
But Andreas Johnson may be that player.
With a two-goal performance in Frolunda's 4-1 win over Malmo this afternoon, Johnson turned in his 18th and 19th goals of the season, moving into fourth in Swedish Hockey League (SHL) scoring with 41 points in 47 games.
With the two-point night, the 21-year-old winger continues a strong start to 2016 that has seen him post 16 points in 17 games in the SHL after helping Frolunda capture the Champions Hockey League title.
Drafted 202nd overall in 2013, Johnson hit the 100-point mark in his 153rd SHL game. He sits first among under-24 scorers in SHL scoring, ahead of teammates Johan Sundstorm (Islanders) and Artturi Lehkonen (Canadiens).
Watch both of today's goals below.
The first, he converted on a rolling puck in the high slot.
Andreas Johnson just picked up two goals in Frolunda's 4-1 win. Here's the first on a rolling puck. https://t.co/5341BKMZJe
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) February 25, 2016
The second, he finished off of a play that was created by a Lehkonen zone entry.
Here's Andreas Johnson's second goal of the game, finishing off a beautiful play. https://t.co/dCKxEIVn5R
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) February 25, 2016
You can expect Johnson to factor into the training camp picture for the Leafs in 2016-2017 when he comes to North America.
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