Ross Johnston was one of 23 players to make the New York Islanders 2019-20 roster. Initially, it looks odd. The 6’5″ man-mountain performs a role that Matt Martin already fills. A role Johnston might be better at.
Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck’s near symbiotic relationship on the fourth line was on full display last season. The fourth line started games and periods for Barry Trotz and was easily able to transition from defense to offense.
So why keep a guy that performs a role that’s already covered by a guy who’s doing so well in that role?