The Pittsburgh Penguins most notable signing was that of blueliner Jack Johnson from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Johnson, 31, inked a five-year deal averaging $3.25 million per year. The Penguins desperately need more defense, but the signing of Johnson received mixed reviews in the media. But is the negative response to this signing really warranted?
In his last year with the Blue Jackets, the 6’1”, 227 lb. defenseman put up 3 goals and 11 assists in 77 games. However, Johnson is a stay-at-home defenseman; the Penguins didn’t sign him to put up points. And even though he hasn’t been a big point-getter in the past, Johnson’s greatest offensive skill is his ability to quickly get the puck up the ice, and his points will improve when he’s passing to forwards like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.