Faceoff Factor

Johnson Doing What It Takes In ECHL

Jesse Marshall | Minor Leagues (ECHL, AHL, etc)

Nov 11, 11:26 AM | Hype this story!

After completing another solid season in the NCAA, Nick Johnson finally left the collegiate scene last spring and played 10 games at the AHL level for Wilkes-Barre in the playoffs.

However, at the start of the season, there was a logjam at the AHL level for the Penguins. Talented forwards appeared all over the Roster, and it came down to Nick Johnson either playing minimal minutes in WB/S, or earning top line time at ECHL level.

The Penguins organization opted for the latter, and many prospect-watching eyes turned towards Wheeling to scope how Johnson would take the demotion.

His response? 10 goals in 10 games.

Johnson, through 10 games at the ECHL level, has earned 15 points (10+5) and has been all over the ice for the Nailers. He finds himself fifth in ECHL scoring as a rookie.

The outcome of this early season success is reassuring for several reasons.

Firstly, Johnson has taken his playing time at Wheeling seriously. Instead of pouting or creating an issue, he’s lighting the lamp on a consistent basis and doing the little things it takes to be successful. Rest assured, Chuck Fletcher is watching, and the Penguins organization will take note of his successes. The second major reason this is reassuring is it has validated what everyone knew Johnson was capable of. For Dartmouth, Johnson was nearly a point per game player. He exhibited fantastic offensive instincts and showed the entire NCAA that he could stick handle in a phone booth. These same properties are providing him with success at a higher level of play.

When I spoke with Nick last year, he was very cognizant of what needed to be done in order to improve himself as a player. It appears that he has addressed many of the major issues and is continuing to grow.

While the timetable on Johnson’s development is uncertain, one thing is for sure, he’s making the most of his chances.

If he continues to pay his dues and develop at a high rate, he’s almost certain to head to the NHL in some capacity.

And that’s what it’s about: paying dues. I’d advise all Penguins fans to do two things. Number one is head to Wheeling to watch Johnson play, number two is continue to track Johnson’s development online. I have a feeling his will be the normal course of development for a young prospect, a prime example of a young forward paying his dues on his way to the big league.