Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Jack Johnson is another step closer to playing in his 20th NHL season.
This is because the Minnesota Wild have announced that they have signed Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO).
We have signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a professional tryout.
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) August 11, 2025
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Johnson spent this past season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he recorded six assists, 21 hits, 35 blocks, and a minus-13 rating. This was after he posted three goals, 13 assists, 16 points, and a plus-15 rating in 80 games with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2023-24 season.
Johnson was signed by the Blackhawks during the 2022 NHL off-season to a one-year, $950,000 contract. In 58 games for the Blackhawks in 2022-23, the left-shot defenseman recorded four assists, 75 hits, 96 blocks, and a minus-25 rating. His time with the Blackhawks ended at the 2023 NHL trade deadline when he was traded to the Avalanche.
Now, Johnson will be looking to impress the Wild at training camp to increase his odds of landing a contract for the 2025-26 season. In 1,228 career NHL games over 19 seasons, the 2005 third-overall pick has recorded 77 goals, 265 assists, and 342 points.
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