The Penguins are finally starting to get people under contract this off-season.
Just not those a majority of Pens' followers are the most interested in.
Still, with Pittsburgh's dearth of wing prospects in the organization, it was notable when they re-signed 24 year old right wing Nick Johnson to a one-year, two-way contract yesterday.
The deal will pay him $500,000 if he plays in the National Hockey League, and considerably less if he suits up for the Baby Penguins in Wilkes Barre.
Johnson, 6'1" 200 lbs, showed some potential in 6 games with the Penguins last season, playing on a line with Evgeni Malkin for some of those and not appearing overwhelmed. He had one goal in his NHL debut in January and added an assist in his next 5 contests with the big club.
In the American Hockey League, he tallied 16 goals, 27 assists for 43 points in 61 games.
Johnson is one of several players in a small cluster of forwards that the Penguins will be looking very hard at in training camp. Mark Letetsu, Chris Conner, Dustin Jeffrey and Eric Tangradi are also in the group. It wouldn't be unreasonable to think that one -- or perhaps two of them -- will make the roster next season, and Johnson has as good a shot as anyone.
More soon.
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