Quoting: jojoyutz
Your not wrong saying that, but devils need a player for that 4th line that fits in with McLeod and Wood. As we saw last year, Bastian works there very well there. Johnsson has struggled being in New Jersey and was pretty much invincible there last year. He is definitely not the guy to fit on that 4th line, and with Holtz in the pipeline, I see no reason to keep him here. A change of scenery would be best for Johnsson and there is really no downside of bringing back a guy like Bastian.
It was a weird year, Id suggest Johnsson is given a bit more time. His lack of finishing last year (and game one) was frustrating to watch, but the high danger chances were there. If your an advanced stats guy, his possession numbers remain top notch.
I'd happily take Bastian back, but there are many guys out there who can fit that role, maybe even some already in the organization (Foote?)
Why not use trade assets to strengthen another area of weakness, instead of just bringing in another wing?
I know this is an unpopular take, as conventional wisdom amongst Devs fans is Johnsson is bad & Bastian is beloved. My heart agrees on Bastian, but my mind wants to see more of Johnsson in Red to see if he can convert some of those chances & possession numbers into goals this year.