I think the main reason for the trade was Carolina floudering in and out of the playoff picture for so much of the season that the Canes' GM was willing to mortage a large part of their future just to spare the embarassment and loss of dough that would come from Carolina missing the post-season after their first and only Cup.
I have another take on the subject, but as my opinion on Johnson can't be expressed with the swear filter in place, I'll keep it to myself.
