The New York Islanders have locked up a key depth player, signing Ross Johnston to a four-year contract extension. The 27-year-old forward was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, the final year of his previous four-year deal. Chris Johnston of TSN reports that the deal will carry an average annual value of $1.1MM.
Johnston certainly may not be a household name, but he is extremely well-liked in the Islanders organization and obviously a player they value. The 6’5″ 232-lbs bruiser has only played in 87 regular season NHL games to this point but gets into a handful every year for the team whenever they need to add some size to the lineup. In those games, he has recorded seven goals and 15 points, while racking up 202 penalty minutes.
His current deal carries an average annual value of $1MM, making him an easy player to bury in the minor leagues if necessary. The length of this new deal, just like his old one, would likely also scare off any teams from claiming him on waivers should he end up there. For most, a player like Johnston would be difficult to justify, but the Islanders have built a four-line system that incorporates very specific skillsets in specific situations that they believe allow them to carry part-time players like this that offer no offensive upside.
It’s not often that you see a player with this kind of profile land a four-year contract, but Johnston has now done it twice.
Really?? Plays 15 games a year and gets a 4 year deal. And he lost to Reaves and was TKO by Morin last season
Lost to Reaves, so I guess that means he’s only the #2 Heavyweight in pro hockey. I’m sure he’ll get that rematch and a few other goes with Reaves this season.
Lou handing out extensions to 4th liners like they’re going out of style.
To be fair, NYI has one of the best 4th lines in the league.