Although Jack Johnson was acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Kings, it has felt like he has been with the Columbus Blue Jackets for a while. His tenure with the team has been an up and down affair. Initially brought in to be the number one defensemen, Johnson has fallen down the depth chart.
After a good season that saw him turn around important numbers, Johnson may be a savvy veteran addition to a club.
Could he be the Vegas Golden Knights' expansion pick from the Blue Jackets?
Why He Will Be Selected
Expansion drafts are an inexact science. Depending who is at the helm of one, they can lead your franchise down a good or bad path. Accumulating draft picks and assets will be one of the top priorities for the Golden Knights.
Johnson is an asset that can accomplish multiple roles for the young franchise. He can be a leader and potential captain for a team, that will be looking for a figure head. He puts up points despite imperfect shot differential numbers. Speaking of shot differential numbers, Johnson had one of his better seasons this past year. Not a terribly old veteran, he still has enough in the tank to play for multiple seasons.
Even if they want to select him to flip him to a team at the trade deadline, they can find value there. He is a malleable player, he can be put in any position on the team and likely succeed.
Why He Won't Be Selected
Only three defensemen on each team are allowed to be protected by their respective teams (trades and other tomfoolery not withstanding). Seeing the other options that could be available for the Golden Knights, Johnson could be either redundant or not needed.
The league is turning towards mobile players, more and more. Johnson isn't as mobile as he once was and comparatively to the league's young players, isn't on the same level.
Compounding with his age and ability, you also have to consider the cap hit you bring on with a player like him. Johnson was recently selected to play in the World Cup of Hockey but opinions on the player are still divided. While highly rated by some, he is viewed as a lower end players by others due to his analytics.
Contract Status
According to CapFriendly.com Johnson is in the final year of his $4.357 million a year contract. The Golden Knights wouldn't have to keep him for long if they didn't like his play. They also will have the ability to negotiate a new contract if need be. His contract is flexible enough that he is more asset than liability.
