Avalanche Cup champion hits rock bottom in stunning career twist

Johnson's attempt to land a contract with the Minnesota Wild did not go as planned, despite the team signing him to a professional tryout (PTO) earlier this offseason.

Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that this marks a tough setback for the former Avalanche Stanley Cup champion as he faces uncertainty about the next chapter of his career.

Johnson, 38, who spent three seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, found success during a professional tryout (PTO) with the team four years ago. He went on to become a key and reliable contributor during Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup championship run, playing an important role on the blueline throughout their title-winning campaign.

Johnson remains an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any NHL team. He could also consider playing overseas or accepting an AHL contract if continuing his professional career remains his top priority.

Johnson stands an imposing 6-foot-1 and weighs 227 pounds, using his size effectively throughout his career.

Over 1,229 NHL games, he has recorded 1,931 hits, 1,831 blocked shots, and 639 penalty minutes. Offensively, he's contributed 77 goals and 342 points, with a minus-127 rating.

Johnson was selected third overall in the 2005 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes, but he never suited up for them after his signing rights were traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 2006.

Source:
Colorado Hockey Now
Jack Johnson Released From PTO With Minnesota