Capitals GM: Salary 'differences from the get-go' hindered long-term deal with Johansson

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If Brian MacLellan had his way, Marcus Johansson would be on the Washington Capitals' books for years to come.

As it happened, however, the 24-year-old was re-signed for one year at a salary cap hit of $3.75 million, with differing perspectives in terms of valuation serving as the reason why the two sides weren't able to agree to a long-term contract.

From Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post:

MacLellan said the Capitals "wanted to pursue a longer-term deal," but had "differences from the get-go in the value" of Johansson's services. Though finding comparable skaters for arbitration proved easier with Johansson, the gap in money prohibited reaching a deal before the third party issued her ruling. MacLellan said he "talked a couple times" with agent Marc Levine during breaks at the hearing and afterward, but nothing more came to fruition.

As a result, the Capitals will see Johansson hit restricted free agency once again next summer, with another year of production from which to assess how much he'll make moving forward.

Johansson, who will challenge for top six and power play minutes next season, scored 20 goals and added 27 assists in a full 82 games in 2014-15.