Johnson, an offensive minded forward, played just 48 games with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins this past season after being being called up to Pittsburgh in February. Johnson suffered a concussion in his 4th NHL game of 2010-11 and wasn't able to return to the AHL for the playoffs per league rules.
If Johnson doesn't make the NHL squad out of training camp this season, he will be a solid top six forward with the WBS Penguins in 2011-12. Johnson scored 20 goals in a little over half a season in the AHL last year, so he will definitely boost a forward core that missed offensive weapons in the most recent Calder Cup run.
Here's a look at the forwards signed through next season who could be in the AHL to start the season in addition to Nick Johnson:
Brian Gibbons
Tom Kuhnhackl
Nick Petersen
Zach Sill
Eric Tangradi
Paul Thompson
Keven Veilleux
Joe Vitale
Not too bad, especially when you consider the calendar just turned to June. What does everyone think of this signing?
2 comments:
I like this signing. 20 goals in 48 games is great offense at the AHL level. If Pittsburgh doesn't sign a lot of forwards he could make the NHL team.
I like this signing, too, and look forward to seeing more of Johnson at the NHL level. I think the 2-way, short-term is a good idea to see how he does. I actually think he might be able to press a few of the current UFAs and RFAs at camp (if they are still around), though I'm not sure who would come out on top. I hope he has a terrific summer working out and is NHL ready when he returns.
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