Montreal Canadiens‘ rookie defenseman Ryan Johnston(89) gets the opportunity to show his game in the show as the regular season winds down and the parent club is out of the playoff picture.
In 2 NHL games the not exactly huge 5’10” 180 lbs. blue liner received increased ice time in a second appearance despite playing a fairly reserved role in his debut.
He’s not exactly mixing it up big in with minor league affiliate St. John’s IceCaps with no goals, 9 assists in 34 AHL games and a -18 rating on a struggling club, but he has been recovering from an early injury.
Missing almost half of his first year, through three years at Colgate University he showed he can affect the score sheet on a decent basis putting up 29 assists in his last pair of campaigns before turning pro.
The already 24-year old is considered a versatile, great skating d-man that can play in all zones and contribute to the offense.
He’s getting his chance early to put it on display.