Defenseman Jack Johnson Has A Chance To Continue His NHL Career With The Colorado Avalanche

By Jordan Long

The Colorado Avalanche will start the 2021-2022 season on October 13th, hosting the Chicago Blackhawks.  Colorado is hoping this upcoming year is one to remember with them winning the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2001.  The Avalanche agreed to a professional tryout contract with defenseman Jack Johnson.

                Johnson has been in the NHL since the 2006-2007 season.  He has played for the L.A. Kings, Columbus Bluejackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the New York Rangers.  Last year was one to forget for Johnson.  He played in 13 games, the lowest since 2006 when he appeared in 5 games.  Johnson missed most of the year after he had surgery to repair a sports hernia which occurred on March 21, 2021.

                Johnson wasn’t productive in the 13 games.  He scored 1 goal, his only point of the year. This was his lowest total since 2019-2020 when Johnson totaled 3 goals and 8 assists for a total of 11 points.

                The Avalanche are giving Johnson a chance to revitalize his career.  In the past, Johnson was an offensive defenseman. He can shoot the puck from the blue line and fire it on net.  Those are goals or rebound chances for his teammates.  Johnson scored 71 goals and added 232 assists for a total of 303 points.  Johnson can be a special teams player.  He may not be the quarterback who sets up the play but he can still score a goal with his one-timer.  Johnson lit the lamp 29 times while adding 121 assists on the power play.

                Johnson is a long shot to make the team.  Colorado already has scoring defensemen in Samuel Girard, Devon Toews, and Cale Makar.  When healthy, Erik Johnson is Colorado’s top scoring defenseman. 

                Johnson needs to show in training camp that he is 100% healthy.  If he can skate then he has a chance to play in preseason games.  In preseason games,  it could be that a few goals or assists earns him at least a roster spot.  Colorado could use depth on defense.  An injury or two could derail the defensive core.  Colorado is taking a chance on him.  Johnson needs to prove he is ready for it and stay healthy.  If not, Colorado will cut him and Johnson will look for an opportunity elsewhere. It’s a low risk, high reward move for Colorado.