At this point most people know what Jack Johnson is and what he can bring to a hockey team. Depending on who you talk to, those expectations may vary. For example, the stats community will tell you that Johnson is the worst defenseman in the NHL , while some in the NHL believe he is worthy of a spot on a first pairing.
What if Johnson is somewhere in between and is worthy of a more nuanced discussion? He isn’t this amazing player but he surely isn’t the worst player in the NHL, right?
The Eye Test
When you think of Jack Johnson, you think of the mess ups and the gaffes. But it’s important to realize that sometimes they are his fault and sometimes they aren’t. In the clip above while playing with Justin Falk, Johnson was hung out to dry by one of the best players in the world, Connor McDavid. McDavid is electric and can make people look like fools everyday.
The bigger question that should be asked on a play like this is why is Johnson on the ice with Falk in this type of situation. Putting this pairing up against these types of players is a recipe for disaster. A lot of what has happened to Johnson has been a perception and reputation that never aligned with his abilities. Johnson needs to be protected and put in the right situations to succeed.
The Stats
The HERO Chart tells us what we already know. As a possession player, Johnson is not particularly valuable. If you place him into a high minute role, he will not provide good results. His scoring (for what he is considered) isn’t particularly great at 5v5 either. He falls into the lower end of most of those offensive categories.
At this point in his career, the Jackets would ideally trade him but the book may be out on Johnson and his off-ice distractions are documented as well. Therefore, to maximize his value, you will need to play him in a third pairing role at 5v5 and put him on one of the top power play units.
It’s important to remember, that even when on the top power play unit this past season, Johnson’s output wasn’t fantastic and is only near the middle of the pack.
Rather then playing 25-30 minutes a night, falling into a 16-18 minute a night role could help his longevity and provide more value long term.
The Grade
I am sure you are expecting me to give him an F just so I can screen shot it and put it on Twitter. I am normally that kind of guy but not today. After an above average 2014-15 offensively for Johnson, he crashed back down to earth this year and put up some paltry numbers, but he alone is not responsible for the struggles of last year’s Jackets squad.
He will get an opportunity, though, to start the coming year off right with the World Cup of Hockey representing the USA. It is a decision many have scoffed at and for good reason, Johnson didn’t have a year that demands a selection. But that selection isn’t going to be rescinded, and this is an opportunity for him and he needs to grab it if he wants to stick around the league past this next contract.
Grade: D
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