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New Penguins Defenseman Ryan Johnson Reveals What He Can Bring to Pittsburgh
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- New Penguins Defenseman Ryan Johnson Reveals What He Can Bring to Pittsburgh
New Penguins Defenseman Ryan Johnson Reveals What He Can Bring to Pittsburgh originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh . Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Ryan Johnson hasn't made his Pittsburgh Penguins debut yet, but the defenseman already has an idea of how he can contribute to his new team.
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Acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 12, Johnson brings NHL experience and a puck-moving skill set to Pittsburgh's defensive line. The 25-year-old discussed his strengths in an interview with SportsNet Pittsburgh's Katie Florio.
"Defensively, I think that's my strength where I can use my feet, speed, quickness too to play fast and try to help get the team the puck," Johnson said.
His ability to move the puck and defend with his skating could give Pittsburgh another option on the blue line as he works toward earning a spot in the lineup. Johnson has appeared in 47 career NHL games, all with Buffalo, recording seven assists. He played a career-high 41 games during the 2023-24 season but spent much of the following two campaigns in the American Hockey League.
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Johnson played for the Rochester Americans, Buffalo's AHL affiliate, throughout his first three-plus professional seasons. He also began the 2026-27 campaign there, appearing in four games before the trade to Pittsburgh.
The defenseman said the AHL's competitive pace and the opportunity to play significant minutes helped him continue developing his game. He believes those experiences will benefit him as he looks to earn another opportunity in the NHL.
Now with Pittsburgh, Johnson is getting acquainted with his new teammates while waiting for his opportunity to enter the lineup. He said the chance to practice with the Penguins and spend time around the group has made the transition enjoyable.
"It's been actually fun to just meet the guys here and get ready into the action too," Johnson said. "Watching the game and then practicing with the guys too. It's been nice."
