The Islanders committed to their depth on Tuesday when they signed Ross Johnston to a four-year, $4.4 million contract extension. But though the move surprised some because of Johnston’s lack of playing time, Barry Trotz indicated Wednesday that Johnston’s value extends far beyond another big body on the bench.
The 27-year-old Johnston, who’s appeared in one game this season and has scored 15 goals in 87 games over five-plus seasons with the Islanders, has another level to his game and will continue to develop into a role player that could help extend the life span of the Islanders' key fourth line, Trotz said.