Jack Johnson, an American defenseman, began his professional hockey career after being drafted third overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. However, his rights were traded to the Los Angeles Kings before he played a game for the Hurricanes. Johnson made his NHL debut with the Kings in the 2006-2007 season after completing his college career at the University of Michigan, where he had been a standout player.
During his time with the Kings, Johnson developed a reputation for his physical style of play and his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line. Over the course of five seasons with Los Angeles, he became a regular fixture on the team's defense, known for his hard-hitting approach and his capability to log significant minutes on the ice. In 2012, Johnson was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a deal that brought Jeff Carter to the Kings. This trade occurred just months before the Kings won their first Stanley Cup, a championship Johnson did not get to be a part of due to the timing of the trade.
In Columbus, Johnson continued to be a reliable presence on the back end. He played a crucial role in helping the Blue Jackets reach the playoffs for the second time in franchise history during the 2013-2014 season. His tenure with the Blue Jackets lasted until 2018, during which he was known for his durability and ability to play in various situations, including power plays and penalty kills.
Johnson's career took another turn when he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a free agent in 2018. His time in Pittsburgh was met with mixed reviews, as his performance was often scrutinized by fans and analysts. Despite this, he remained a regular in the Penguins' lineup, providing veteran experience and depth to the team's defensive corps.
In 2020, Johnson's contract with the Penguins was bought out, leading him to sign a one-year deal with the New York Rangers. His stint with the Rangers was short-lived, as he played only a limited number of games before undergoing season-ending surgery. The following season, Johnson joined the Colorado Avalanche on a professional tryout contract and eventually secured a spot on the roster. His experience and leadership were valuable assets to the Avalanche, and he played a role in their successful 2021-2022 campaign, which culminated in winning the Stanley Cup. This victory marked the first time Johnson hoisted the Cup in his career, a significant milestone after many years in the league.
Throughout his career, Johnson also represented the United States in international competition. He played in several World Championships and was part of the U.S. Olympic team in 2010, where he helped the team secure a silver medal in Vancouver.
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