Biography
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Right
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 183 lbs
Birthday: 12/24/1985
Hometown: Calgary, AB, Canada
Draft: 3rd round (67th overall), 2004 (Pittsburgh)
Acquired: Draft
Player Type: Dangler
NHL Comparable: Blake Wheeler
 
Career Projection
In the 2007-08 season, Johnson was inserted into the Baby Penguins line-up during the AHL playoffs. While he didn’t produce in any series, the experience gained from these games would prove to be vital in his future success. Out of camp in the next year, he was a victim of the numbers game, and as an unproven rookie, he was assigned to the ECHL with Wheeling. Instead of moping, he viewed it as a positive and took this opportunity to make his mark. He tore up the league in his short time there, posting 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in only 18 games. He earned a call-up to the AHL after this, where he would score 31 points (14 goals, 17 assists) in 56 games. Now, in his sophomore season, Johnson has been considered an offensive threat and will be considered seriously for Pittsburgh’s second line next year during training camp.
 
Strengths
Has average to above average speed…powerful wrist shot…very shifty and sneaky with the puck on his stick…can put home the dirty goals close to the blue paint…power play capabilities… can stickhandle in a phone booth… busts out a highlight reel goal every 1 or 2 months… good backchecker… finishes his checks… has a few scraps under his belt… the only "dangler" in the system
 
Weaknesses
Never witnessed him taking a slap shot… needs to improve defensively at the NHL level… improving his strength will help him at the NHL level…
 
Achievements/Awards
• Dartmouth College Rookie of the Year; 2004-2005