Prior to the regular season starting, on October 1, the Whalers were involved in a three way deal with the New York Rangers and the Minnesota North Stars. The first trade was between the Whalers and North Stars, as Hartford acquired right winger Kent-Erik Andersson and center Mark Johnson from Minnesota for a fifth round draft pick in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft and future considerations. Hartford then traded Andersson to the Rangers for Ed Hospodar. Johnson split the 1981-82 season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota North Stars, scoring 12 goals and 25 points in 56 games. In four playoff games with Minnesota, Johnson scored two goals. Hospodar appeared in 41 games with New York, scoring three goals and 11 points, while registering 153 penalty minutes.