On a busy first day of free agency the Sabres are continuing to make moves and reshape the roster. One under the radar move, may be the resigning of a defenseman to add much depth to a changing lineup on the ice for next season.
The reached a deal for 3 years for defenseman Ryan Johnson. The 23-year-old was slated to be a restricted free agent before signing back with the Sabres.
He currently has played in over forty games or so for the Sabres in the last two seasons and has been with the Rochester Americans for the majority of his career. His time in Buffalo has netted a positive.
He's contributing seven assists and a plus-one rating during his time on the ice at Keybank Arena and on away ice. Having a player generate positive chances is something that the roster has been missing the last few years.
If they have him on the roster, he could provide the needed depth for the Sabres to continue to improve. While with the Americans, he's added even more assists. During two seasons he's had 20 assists while in Rochester.
Having a player of that caliber paired Dahlin could even more chances. General manager, Kevyn Adams spoke of having Johnson stick around. "Ryan Johnson is right there, he’s right on the cusp of making a step and being part of our everyday lineup," Adams said to reporters in April.
He only played in three games for the Sabre last season. Maybe having him be more of a stable part of the roster would of put them over the hump. In the 2023/2024 season, he also added 39 blocks in just over 40 games.
It seems that Adams and company be ready to make Johnson a more stable and steady part of the roster. It would be an added addition and be one of the reasons why the Sabres could get over the hump for the posteason.
His contract for three years in only worth $775,000 a year. It is not a steep price for a steady presence on the ice. If they also don't get what they perceive as value from Johnson who could be a part of a trade later next season if the Sabres falter.
Look for Johnson to be playing more actively in both camp on the ice for the blue and gold this season. Hopefully more and more assists will be coming both his and the Sabres way.