After winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche this past season, 35-year-old defenseman Jack Johnson is bringing his veteran pedigree to Chicago.
It was announced late last night that Johnson will be joining the Blackhawks organization on a 1-year deal worth $950k.
Johnson was a surprise addition to the Avalanche roster last year after he was brought in on a Professional Try-Out. The try-out allowed the team to have a better look at the D-Man's abilities in training camp, without having to sign him first.
He impressed the organization, as they agreed to a one-year deal.
Johnson went from a PTO longshot only to find himself playing in 74 regular season games. It didn't stop there though.
17 years after he was drafted the 35-year-old achieved the greatest goal any hockey player could ever hope for.
It only took 1,024 regular season games, but Jack Johnson is finally able to call himself a Stanley Cup Champion.
Now it was a nice story and all, but the Blackhawks didn't sign a player that is going to increase their chances of winning the Cup.
Locking Up The Defensive Group
Johnson, statistically speaking, is a 3rd pair defenseman who was more than likely signed to fill a roster spot.This signing solidifies the defensive group and almost confirms that the team will not be rushing the development of its younger players. It is safe to say that we will not see much action from rookies this year and they will be given every chance to develop in Rockford. However, Johnson's veteran leadership has the chance to be valuable to any young players that does join the team. The one year deal also gives the Blackhawks the opportunity to flip him at the trade deadline. As my dear friend Patrick always says, "All assets are good assets!" So expect the Hawks to seek some sort of draft pick in return. It's also worth noting that Johnson scored one goal last year. Not extremely abnormal for a defenseman of his age, but do you remember who it was against?
Pretty slick if you ask me! Happy to have you on our side now, Jack.
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