Until someone tells 6th year right wing Nick Johnson(32) differently he’s making a case with Boston Bruins to be on their opening night roster to start the 2013/2014 season.
He’s scored 3 goals in 2 preseason games and the 27-year old is drawing praise from coaching and management.
The 6’2″ 196 lbs. forward is signed to a 1-year two-way deal, but whether or not he is reassigned to minor league affiliate Providence Bruins, he’s easily put himself on the short list for an early recall once the action begins.
In 104 NHL games he has 14 goals and 23 assists and has spent parts of the last four seasons playing in the big league, including one full campaign with Minnesota Wild a couple of years ago.
His AHL stats are point towards a player that is on the cusp of a full-time job with a parent club. He has 53 goals and 70 assists in 183 games and holds a highly accountable +44 rating.
He was originally a Pittsburgh Penguins‘ 3rd round pick in the 2004 draft (#89 overall).
He even spent time in the ECHL with Wheeling Nailers working his way up in his rookie season and even played 5 games for Idaho Steelheads during the last year’s lockout.
See related: 11/17-10