Avs acquire backup goalie Jonas Johansson from Sabres

In an attempt to shore up its backup goaltending situation, the Colorado Avalanche acquired goalie Jonas Johansson from the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.

We have acquired Jonas Johansson goalie from Buffalo for a 6th round pick in 2021. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/VWXTimXo24

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 20, 2021

The trade had reportedly been agreed upon Friday, but the Sabres had to wait on COVID-19 test results after their most recent opponent, the Boston Bruins, had four players enter the NHL protocol.

The transaction comes amid an Avs team that’s struggled to spell everyday starter Philipp Grubauer, including recently when Colorado rallied behind the goaltender to an 8-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks after Hunter Miska was replaced following four first-period goals.

Miska, who struggled as the Avs backup at times with a 4.16 goals-against average this season in five games, was sent down to the Colorado Eagles on Saturday in exchange for goaltender Adam Werner.

Roster Alert: Hunter Miska has been reassigned to us while Adam Werner has been recalled by the @Avalanche.#EaglesCountry | #GoAvsGo

— Colorado Eagles (@ColoradoEagles) March 20, 2021

A third-round pick by the Sabres, 61st overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Johansson has started 11 games during two seasons in Buffalo.

In seven games in 2020-’21, Johansson is 0-5-1 with a 3.79 goals-against-average and a .884 save percentage.

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