The Minnesota Wild revealed on Monday that veteran defenseman Jack Johnson has signed a professional tryout (PTO) contract with the team. At 38 years old, Johnson brings a wealth of experience, having played 19 NHL seasons and even won the Stanley Cup. If he secures a contract with the Wild, it would mark his 20th NHL season. Standing 6-foot-1, Johnson is a left-shot defenseman.
Minnesota recently traded left-shot defender Declan Chisholm to the Washington Capitals during the NHL Draft and allowed free agent John Merrill to leave. Left-shot defender Zeev Buium is expected to step up and become a regular NHL player this season. Additionally, Jonas Brodin underwent offseason surgery and may miss the start of the season.
In the AHL, the Wild have several left-shot defensemen under contract including Carson Lambos, Stevie Lescover, Matt Keithsett, Ben Gleeson, and Jack Pete. Lambos, drafted in the first round of 2021, played the last two seasons in the AHL and scored five goals and 19 points over 68 games for the Iowa Wild last year. He was called up during the regular season but did not make his NHL debut. Wild GM Bill Guerin emphasized that this season requires some young players like Lambos to elevate their game and make an impact, though spots on the roster are not guaranteed.
On the right side, the Wild roster includes Jared Spurgeon, Brock Faber, Zach Bogosian, and David Zilizek. Initially, either Bogosian or Jiricek might have played offside at season start, but the Wild decided against it after Bogosian’s injury. Guerin has highlighted the importance of healthy competition among the roster, especially with younger players challenging seasoned veterans. Johnson, who is 16 years older than Lambos, has played 1,228 NHL games, providing solid veteran presence. The team also signed Kiersed, who has played 39 NHL games over the past four seasons.
Training camp will feature competition for roster spots, and Johnson’s PTO poses no downside; if he fits well with the Wild, he could earn a contract. Otherwise, the tryout period offers flexibility for the team.
Fan Take: This signing showcases Minnesota’s blend of experience and youth, offering fans a chance to see how a seasoned veteran like Jack Johnson could mentor rising talents like Lambos. It’s exciting to witness the competition unfold, which could bolster the team’s defense and add depth in a pivotal 2024-25 NHL season.
