On Saturday morning, the wait had finally ended – the Buffalo Sabres signed the 31st overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Ryan Johnson.
The Buffalo Sabres cashed in big on Saturday morning when they signed Ryan Johnson to an entry-level contract in what was a surprising move to say the least. For the longest time, it appeared Johnson was going to opt for free agency, which would have at least given the Sabres a compensatory selection.
But being so thin on defense in the prospects pool, it wouldn’t have been an ideal scenario for Buffalo, so needless to say, it’s great to see Johnson signing, and it’s even better news to hear he will immediately report to the Rochester Americans.
The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Ryan Johnson to a two-year, entry-level deal. He will report to the Rochester Americans (AHL). pic.twitter.com/PwMYNJA1ML
— Sabres PR (@SabresPR) May 27, 2023
Ryan Johnson brings sound experience to the Buffalo Sabres organization
With 143 games under his belt and having displayed some leadership skills during that time, as outlined in the above tweet, it’s clear that Johnson will bring sound experience to the Rochester Americans lineup, where he, at the very least, will practice with the team. Johnson will also begin the 2023-24 season with the Amerks, where he will continue to develop his game in preparation for an inevitable NHL debut, perhaps as early as 2024-25.
Johnson’s signing only makes things more interesting for a Sabres organization that over the past few weeks, saw Nikita Novikov and Vsevolod Komarov also sign. And with Novikov eligible to play in Rochester next season, seeing him and Johnson on the same ice could be a treat if you’re looking to see the Buffalo Sabres prospects in action next season.
Overall, you have two experienced blueliners making their way to the Flower City, with Komarov eligible to join if the Amerks snag a spot in the 2024 playoffs. And given their respective accomplishments in the KHL and NCAA, and in Komarov’s case, the QMJHL, the defensive rotation in Rochester will inevitably be fun to watch.
Source: Ryan Johnson becomes latest Sabres prospect to sign entry-level contract by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com