Unrestricted free agent goaltender Chad Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames worth $1.7 million. The former Buffalo Sabres goalie was the lead masked man for the Sabres last year. Johnson was third in the Last Word On Sports 2016 Top 10 UFA goaltenders available ranking.
Chad Johnson to CAL. One year deal
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2016
Chad Johnson Signed By Flames
Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2006, Johnson is a veteran of 101 NHL games including 88 starts. Johnson broke into the league during the 2009-10 season with the New York Rangers. He’s also had stops with the Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins and New York Islanders as the backup goalie.
Johnson signed his previous contract, a 2-year, $2.6 million deal signed in 2014 with the Islanders. New York traded Johnson and a third-round draft pick in 2016 to Buffalo for Michal Neuvirth at the 2015 trade deadline. Johnson had struggled during his time on Long Island posting a .899 save percentage and 3.08 goals-against average in 19 contests.
However, his year in Buffalo was much more successful. Johnson led all Buffalo netminders with 45 appearances. His .920 save percentage and 2.36 goals-against average with a young Buffalo squad helped show his time with the Islanders were an off year.
Johnson an Experienced Option in Net
Johnson uses his 6’3 frame well and found some missing consistency to his game during his time in Buffalo. His years as a well-performing backup also demonstrate an ability to come in cold or after a long layoff. Both traits will serve him well with his new squad.
The native of Saskatoon, SK has a career mark of 50-30-11 with four shutouts. He is very comparable to his peers but does perform slightly below average when it comes to high-danger shots.
Johnson adds a veteran presence for the Flames and has shown an ability to handle a heavy workload should injuries or other factors force him to the crease. He will backup whoever the Flames choose as their starting netminder while providing quality spot starts throughout the year.
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