Avalanche Stanley Cup champion shocks fans with unexpected career move involving divisional rival
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports
Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup champion and experienced defenseman Jack Johnson has made a surprising and unexpected career move, catching many fans and analysts off guard.
On Monday, the Wild announced they have signed Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO) contract.
Veteran defenseman Jack Johnson makes a shocking career move.
Jon Alfano from Breakaway On Si writes that now more than a month into the offseason, the number of players signing professional tryout (PTO) contracts is expected to sure soon, and the Minnesota Wild have made the first move.
"Johnson, 38, has 19 NHL seasons under his belt, and appeared in 41 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season." -Alfano
Hailing from Indianapolis, 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.
If Johnson earns a spot on the Wild, they will become his seventh NHL team, following previous stints with the Los Angeles Kings (2006-12), Columbus Blue Jackets (2012-18, 2024-25), Pittsburgh Penguins (2018-20), New York Rangers (2020-21), Colorado Avalanche (2021-23, 2023-24), and Chicago Blackhawks (2023).
"Prior to making the jump to the NHL, Johnson was a star at the University of Michigan, racking up 26 goals and 71 points over two seasons. He set the school record for goals by a sophomore defenseman in 2006-07 (16) and was named the CCHA Offensive Defenseman of the Year." -Alfano
If he can secure a spot, Johnson could still see game action for the Wild in his 20th NHL season.
TRENDING NOW
