Jack Johnson and the Toronto Maple Leafs
At one point in his career, Jack Johnson was a highly coveted prospect. A product of one of the top hockey high schools in America, Shattuck St. Mary’s, Johnson graduated into the United States Development Program. This program took his game to new heights, launching the Indianapolis, Indiana native all the way to become the third-overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Johnson has been a fine NHL player but never lived up to his hype and expectations. When he first entered the league, it looked like he would one day be an all-star. That selection has still yet to come even though Johnson is now 17 years in.
That’s not to say that Johnson isn’t useful. He has always been a reliable player who can eat big minutes and move the puck well. This season with the Chicago Blackhawks, at 36-years-old, he has been playing on 20:17 per night. Through 34 games, Johnson has also given his team a touch of offense, collecting four total assists.
Just like the previous pair of featured defensemen, Johnson isn’t the man the Leafs would acquire for offense. He’s a defense-first minded player. Also, like the other two blue liners, he shoots left.
Johnson’s no stranger to being traded. It’s happened to him twice before. In 2006, he and Oleg Tverdovsky were flipped for Eric Belanger and Tim Gleason. His second move was in 2012 when he and a first-round pick were exchanged for Jeff Carter.
Not only would Johnson be a great fit at the bottom of the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, but he wouldn’t cost very much. The return for Johnson, at this point of his career, is far less than it was in both 2006 and 2012. He is also making just $950,000. This is an easy contract for Toronto to fit under the cap.
The Toronto Maple Leafs may just be one piece away from finding the big success they’re searching for. Perhaps one of these under the radar defensemen are exactly who they need.