Role: Offensive-minded forward
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) on July 1st
Notables: 25 years old, 6-2, 196 lbs, Right handed shot
AHL Stats: 48 games played, 20G, 19A, +12, 49 PIM
NHL Stats: 4 games played, 1G, 2A, +1, 5 PIM
To say that Nick Johnson was missed in Wilkes-Barre down the stretch and in the playoffs is an understatement. The play-making forward was called up in early February and never returned, because of a concussion he suffered in his 4th NHL game of the 2010-11 campaign in a fight against Colorado Avalanche's Ryan Wilson on February 16th. Johnson's stint in the NHL was short lived but he made the most of it while he played. He registered a point in 3 of the 4 games.
In Wilkes-Barre, Johnson was a regular on the scoresheet. After getting off to a slow start, he registered 28 points (16G, 12A) in his final 31 games with the AHL Penguins. With a lot of free agent forwards for the Penguins to consider this offseason, Johnson could earn a spot in the NHL next season if he is re-signed, depending on how many how many forwards are brought back. He should be fully recovered from the concussion he suffered in February and ready to light the lamp in 2011-12, whether it's in the AHL or NHL.
Rate his season performance with the WBS Penguins this season. What should the Penguins do with Nick Johnson? If re-signed, where should he be playing next season?
1 comments:
I think the Pens should give Johnson a chance, be it starting in Wilkes-Barre and getting called up like you said. He is a big body which the Pens lack the benefits of times. His only problem is Tangradi since Tango seems to be the favorite. I'll be disappointed if he doesn't get a thought.
Post a Comment