Kings Sign Defenseman Jack Johnson to Seven-Year Contract

The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a seven-year contract extension worth $30.5 million. The deal averages out to $4.35 million per season. He would have been a restricted free agent this summer. In 41 games so far this season, Johnson has four goals and 27 assists for 31 points. In 241 career NHL games, all with the Kings, he has 21 goals and 68 assists for 89 points and 222 penalty minutes. Originally a first round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, he was traded to Los Angeles in September 2006 with Oleg Tverdovsky in exchange for Tim Gleason and Eric Belanger. This is a great move for the Kings, as Johnson has emerged as one of their top defensemen, next to Drew Doughty. He's a great skater with lots of mobility, has plenty of offensive upside, and can play a physical game, making him an all-around effective defenseman for the team.