Jack Johnson: Take a Shot or Leave it Alone?
By John Gianfrancesco
Veteran defenseman Jack Johnson has requested a trade from Columbus before the trade deadline on February 26th. With a better blue line that could always be bolstered, I’ll give you my reasons on why Yzerman should take a shot for Johnson and why he shouldn’t consider it.
Take a Shot:
After suffering a lower-body injury vs Calgary on Jan. 11, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced Victor Hedman would be out 3-6 weeks, which leaves a HUGE hole on the left side of the defense. So, a veteran defenseman from a winning team has just requested a trade AND he’s a left handed shot; so, why not? Johnson hasn’t scored a goal since Dec. 12, but he has a great shot and could bring some competitive edge along with a veteran presence. Until Hedman returns, he could be a nice fill-in for the time being.
Leave it Alone:
Yes, Johnson could help the blue line for the time being but Hedman’s unfortunate injury opens the door for former 2012 1st round pick Slater Koekkoek. KK has always found trouble being a regular in the lineup since being drafted. However, when he has played he has done well. He isn’t putting up Norris Trophy performances but he isn’t supposed to. Only playing in 22 games this year, Slater has 4 goals and 3 assists and is a +7, which is certainly not bad for someone who is still looking to become a household name. A fan favorite to many in Tampa and seemingly 2nd in line behind Sustr (?), Koekkoek should definitely see consistent ice time now with Hedman out and being a left handed shot. With a coach who loves LHD-RHD balance, Koekkoek should finally get his real shot to prove his top 10 selection 4 years ago.
Take a Shot:
After Hedman, Sergachev & Stralman, the Lightning don’t really have an offensive defenseman. Girardi is a shot blocking machine, Dotchin slots in nicely so far and Coburn does his role. Johnson could be that guy to bring some spark if you want his role to be 10-15 mins a night. Only 2 goals on the year so far, playing with the highly skilled Tampa forwards could boost his stats and he could end up taking the spot of a recently stagnant Braydon Coburn.
Leave it Alone:
Jack Johnson is a UFA after this season and would most likely be a rental, so i’m not sure he’s worth going after depending on the price. After speaking with Columbus STM (AlexMorgan_33), the Blue Jackets would most likely ask for a replacement for Johnson and some goal scoring help. He won’t require a hefty load but he doesn’t seem like a defenseman who would be worth the price that a bubble team like Edmonton or Colorado would pay. maybe a 2nd rd pick and prospect, the offers could be everywhere. Not sure Yzerman would want to give away some assets for someone who won’t make a gigantic impact.
Final Say: Leave it Alone
Jack Johnson is not a bad player but I don’t think the Lightning need him and I think a playoff bubble team will offer more given their needs to succeed. With Koekkoek poised to show his worth, still having 7 D after Hedmans injury and other needs that may arise, I think Yzerman should look past Johnson and wait for something more salivating if it should appear.