The Colorado Avalanche have signed free agent Defenseman Jack Johnson to a one-year contract worth $750,000. This contract carries him through the 2021-22 season. Johnson had originally started camp on a professional tryout. However, his hard work has earned him a spot.
Jack Johnson signs in COL, one year $750K
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 10, 2021
Jack Johnson Signs With the Avalanche
Over his 15-year NHL career, Johnson has played on multiple teams including the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the New York Rangers. He has put up 71 goals and 232 assists for 303 career points in 950 career games. Johnson was originally drafted in the first round, third overall of the 2005 NHL entry draft by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Last season with the Rangers, he put up one point, a goal coming on March 9 against the Penguins. He also added eight minutes in penalties and a minus-five rating. Johnson only appeared in 13 games in the 2020-21 season as a hernia-related surgery cut his season short.
This Season
The Avalanche invited 34-year-old Johnson to a professional tryout for the 2021 training camp. Johnson played in five of six pre-season games with the club before being named to the final roster. The Veteran will add to the depth of the Avs defence, having experience in 15 seasons in the NHL, and appearing in multiple International competitions with the USA national team.
Including the 2010 Olympics where Johnson had one assist helping the team receive a silver medal following a loss to Team Canada in the final game. Expectations are that Johnson will play a role on the third pairing of the Avs defence. However, he may be a seventh defenceman who slots in for tougher matchups or injuries.
The Avalanche have high hopes for a Stanley Cup this year and Johnson will look to help in any way he can.
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