The Blackhawks announced this week that they came to terms with 20-year-old Red Deer Rebels center and captain Reese Johnson. The 6’1″ 195 lbs Johnson has been listed only as a forward but his coach, former Blackhawks center Brent Sutter, said he is a “right-handed center-ice man.”
Johnson missed most of the 2015-16 season and all of 2016-17 with a serious shoulder injury, but has battled back to returned to form. Last season, in 72 games, he put up 39 points (23G, 16A) and has already put up 45 points (22G, 23A) in 62 games this season. He is second in scoring on the Red Dear team behind Blackhawks prospect Brandon Hagel, who was also signed as a free agent October 30th.
Of his 22 assists this season, 18 of them are primary assists, which would suggest he has good play making ability at the pivot position. It remains to be seen whether the Blackhawks intend on using him at center or on the right wing.
Johnson signed a 3-year entry-level contract worth $925,000 per season and will stay in Red Deer with the Rebels for the remainder of the season but, as Mario / Aaron / Ron mentioned yesterday, he could potentially find his way to Rockford once his Western Hockey League season commences.