Chad Johnson, a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, spent nearly a decade in the NHL, showcasing his skills across several teams. Born on June 10, 1986, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Johnson's journey to the NHL began in his youth, playing in local leagues before advancing to higher levels of competition. He played college hockey at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he honed his abilities and caught the attention of NHL scouts.
In 2006, Johnson was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round, 125th overall. However, he did not sign with the Penguins and continued to develop his game in college. After completing his collegiate career, he signed with the New York Rangers in 2009, marking the beginning of his professional career. Johnson made his NHL debut with the Rangers during the 2009-2010 season, appearing in five games.
Following his stint with the Rangers, Johnson's career saw him move through several teams. He joined the Phoenix Coyotes for the 2012-2013 season, where he played in four games. His performance caught the attention of the Boston Bruins, who signed him for the 2013-2014 season. During his time with the Bruins, Johnson served as a reliable backup goaltender, appearing in 27 games and posting a commendable record.
The 2014-2015 season saw Johnson traded to the New York Islanders, where he continued to provide solid goaltending support. However, his time with the Islanders was short-lived, as he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in March 2015. Johnson found more stability with the Sabres, spending two seasons with the team and playing a significant role in their goaltending rotation.
In 2016, Johnson signed with the Calgary Flames, where he played 36 games during the 2016-2017 season. His tenure with the Flames was marked by several standout performances, further establishing his reputation as a dependable goaltender. After his time in Calgary, Johnson returned to the Buffalo Sabres for the 2017-2018 season, continuing to contribute to the team's efforts.
The latter part of Johnson's career saw him sign with the St. Louis Blues for the 2018-2019 season. However, his time with the Blues was brief, as he was claimed off waivers by the Anaheim Ducks in December 2018. Johnson finished the season with the Ducks, appearing in a handful of games before stepping away from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Chad Johnson was known for his steady presence in the net and his ability to adapt to different teams and playing styles.
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