Luke Johnson (ice hockey)

Last updated
Luke Johnson
Born (1994-09-19) September 19, 1994 (age 30)
Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S.
Height 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight 179 lb (81 kg; 12 st 11 lb)
Position Center
Shoots Right
KHL team
Former teams		 Metallurg Magnitogorsk
Chicago Blackhawks
Minnesota Wild
NHL draft 134th overall, 2013
Chicago Blackhawks
Playing career 2016–present

Luke Johnson (born September 19, 1994) is an American ice hockey center who is currently playing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). [1] Johnson was selected in the fifth round, 134th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Johnson won the KHL's Gagarin Cup championship in 2024.

Contents

Prior to turning professional, Johnson played NCAA Division I hockey for the University of North Dakota. In his junior year, he helped North Dakota win the 2016 National Championship.

Playing career

Amateur

While playing with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League, Johnson committed to the University of North Dakota. [2]

Johnson began his freshman season at the University of North Dakota during the 2013–14 season. He played in 42 games and led the team's rookies in goals with eight. [3] Johnson scored his first goal as a Fighting Sioux on November 9 in a 4–2 loss to Nebraska Omaha. [4] After recording six points in four games, Johnson was named NCHC Rookie of the Month for December. [5] Johnson helped guide the team to the 2013 NCAA Midwest Region semifinal where they lost in the Regional final to Yale.

In his sophomore year, Johnson recorded a new career high 24 points and 11 goals during his 42 game campaign. He participated in the 2015 Frozen Four and was named to the NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team. [3]

In his junior year, Johnson played in 43 games for the Fighting Sioux and matched his career high in goals. The Fighting Sioux again participated in the 2016 Frozen Four tournament but Johnson was injured in the second period of the semi-finals against Denver and was forced to miss the National Championship game against Quinnipiac. This was the only game he missed in his 127 game career with the Fighting Hawks. [6] Nonetheless, the Fighting Sioux beat Quinnipiac 5–1, winning the National Championship. [7] Johnson was again named to the NCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament Team [3] and later signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on April 29, 2016. [8]

Professional

In his rookie season with the Rockford IceHogs, Johnson recorded 17 points in 73 games and was named the IceHog's Rookie of the Year. [9] In his second year with the team, he had an uptake in scoring which he attributes to changing his eating habits and focusing on his nutrition. He ended his second season with 30 points in 73 games. [10]

After playing two years with the Rockford IceHogs, Johnson made the Blackhawks 2018–19 opening night roster. [11] He subsequently made his NHL debut on October 4, against the Ottawa Senators. [12] Johnson was reassigned to the AHL on October 18 after playing in three games. [13] With the IceHogs, Johnson increased his scoring rate, improving his points totals with 18 goals and 31 points in 53 games. At the conclusion of the season, Johnson finishing his first season in the NHL registering 1 assist in 15 games.

As an impending restricted free agent, Johnson was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Blackhawks, releasing him as a free agent on June 25, 2019. [14] On the opening day of free agency, Johnson agreed to a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2019. [15]

On July 28, 2021, as a free agent from the Wild, Johnson was signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Winnipeg Jets. [16] In the 2021–22 season, Johnson was assigned by the Jets to play exclusively with AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, collecting 10 points through just 23 regular season games.

On August 10, 2022, having left the Jets as a free agent, Johnson continued his career in the AHL by agreeing to a one-year contract with the San Jose Barracuda. [17]

At the conclusion of his contract with the Barracuda, Johnson left North America and signed his first contract abroad in agreeing to a one-year deal with Russian club, Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL on July 26, 2023. [18] He won the Gagarin Cup at the end of the season.

Personal life

Johnson comes from a hockey playing family; both his father, uncle, and cousin played collegiate hockey for the University of North Dakota. Johnson's father Steve played for the University of North Dakota from 1984 to 1988 where he was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist. [19] [20] His cousin Paul LaDue currently plays for the Los Angeles Kings organization in the National Hockey League [11] and his younger brother was drafted by the Lincoln Stars in the 2016 USHL draft. [21]

Career statistics

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2009–10 Grand Forks Central High USHS 2717294630—————
2010–11Grand Forks Central HighUSHS2517254243—————
2011–12 Lincoln Stars USHL 552035555281122
2012–13 Lincoln StarsUSHL571927463250000
2013–14 U. of North Dakota NCHC 428132126—————
2014–15 U. of North DakotaNCHC4211132454—————
2015–16 U. of North DakotaNCHC4311102145—————
2016–17 Rockford IceHogs AHL 73891731—————
2017–18 Rockford IceHogsAHL7313173062134486
2018–19 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 150118—————
2018–19 Rockford IceHogsAHL5318133134—————
2019–20 Iowa Wild AHL4218133143—————
2019–20 Minnesota Wild NHL30000—————
2020–21 Minnesota WildNHL141015—————
2020–21 Iowa WildAHL20115—————
2021–22 Manitoba Moose AHL2337103342242
2022–23 San Jose Barracuda AHL671081855—————
2023–24 Metallurg Magnitogorsk KHL 6412102218234377
NHL totals3211213—————
KHL totals6412102218234377

Awards and honors

AwardYear
KHL
Gagarin Cup (Metallurg Magnitogorsk) 2024 [22]

Related Research Articles

Jason Wayne Blake is an American former professional ice hockey forward who played in the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Bochenski</span> 27th Mayor of Grand Forks

Brandon Louis Bochenski is an American former professional ice hockey player and politician. He played 156 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams before serving as captain of Barys Astana in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Internationally Bochenski represented both the United States and Kazakhstan, playing in several World Championships. In June 2020, Bochenski was elected mayor of Grand Forks, North Dakota.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petri Kontiola</span> Finnish ice hockey player (born 1984)

Petri Kontiola is a Finnish professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Ilves of the Liiga. Kontiola has previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Blackhawks, the organization that drafted him 196th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Schmaltz</span> American former ice hockey player

Jordan Schmaltz is an American entrepreneur, media personality, and former professional ice hockey defenseman. He was drafted 25th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and last played for EHC Kloten of the Swiss National League (NL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philip Holm</span> Swedish ice hockey player

Philip Holm is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing with Örebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Bollig</span> American ice hockey player (born 1987)

Brandon D. Bollig is an American former professional ice hockey player. An undrafted player, Bollig signed with the Chicago Blackhawks organization in 2010 after playing college hockey for St. Lawrence University. He made his NHL debut in 2012 and was a member of Chicago's Stanley Cup championship team in 2013. The Calgary Flames acquired Bollig in a draft-day trade on June 28, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ian McCoshen</span> American ice hockey player

Ian James McCoshen is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently under contract with Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). McCoshen was selected by the Florida Panthers in the second round, 31st overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex Broadhurst</span> American professional ice hockey forward

Alex Broadhurst is an American professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing for Amur Khabarovsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He has formerly played with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikolay Goldobin</span> Russian ice hockey player (born 1995)

Nikolay Sergeevich Goldobin is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for HC Spartak Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Goldobin was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaycob Megna</span> American ice hockey player (born 1992)

Jaycob Megna is an American professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the seventh round, 210th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He also played with the San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, and Chicago Blackhawks.

Robin Press is a Swedish ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 7th round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Schmaltz</span> American ice hockey player (born 1996)

Nick Schmaltz is an American professional ice hockey forward and alternate captain for the Utah Hockey Club of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Arizona Coyotes in the NHL.

Ivan Nalimov is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently an unrestricted free agent who most recently played with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was drafted in the 6th round, 179th overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brock Boeser</span> American ice hockey player (born 1997)

Brock Michael Boeser is an American professional ice hockey player for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drake Caggiula</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1994)

Drake Caggiula is a Canadian professional ice hockey left wing currently playing for the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul LaDue</span> American ice hockey player

Paul LaDue is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for Modo Hockey of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the sixth round, 181st overall, in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Rem Pitlick is a Canadian-born American professional ice hockey center who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the third round, 76th overall, by the Nashville Predators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Pitlick has also previously played for the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shane Pinto</span> American ice hockey player

Shane Pinto is an American professional ice hockey center for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 32nd overall by the Senators, the first pick in the second round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Cole Smith is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing with the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Jackson Blake is an American professional ice hockey player for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played college ice hockey at North Dakota.

References

  1. ↑ "Luke Johnson at eliteprospects.com". www.eliteprospects.com.
  2. ↑ Mike G. Morreale (October 24, 2012). "McCoshen, McAdam among top USHL prospects". NHL.com. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 "LUKE JOHNSON". fightinghawks.com. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Mavericks hand North Dakota fourth straight loss". fightinghawks.com. November 9, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  5. ↑ "KOVACS, JOHNSON TABBED NCHC DECEMBER MONTHLY AWARD HONOREES". nchchockey.com. December 31, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  6. ↑ Brad Elliott Schlossman (April 10, 2016). "FROZEN FOUR NOTEBOOK: Luke Johnson misses first game of career". Grand Forks Herald. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  7. ↑ Roumeliotis, Charlie (April 9, 2016). "Blackhawks: Nick Schmaltz, Luke Johnson help North Dakota win national title". nbcsports.com. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Blackhawks, prospect Luke Johnson agree to three-year deal". chicagotribune.com. April 29, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  9. ↑ Reicher, Todd (April 15, 2017). "ICEHOGS ANNOUNCE 2016-17 TEAM AWARDS". secondcityhockey.com. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  10. ↑ Greenfield, Jimmy (October 2, 2018). "'It's basically a tryout every day for me': Luke Johnson excited to make NHL debut but hopes it's just the beginning". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  11. 1 2 Brad Elliott Schlossman (October 3, 2018). "Two cousins from Grand Forks make NHL rosters". Grand Forks Herald. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  12. ↑ Fraser, Callum (October 4, 2018). "Blackhawks at Senators preview". NHL.com. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  13. ↑ Robinson, Chris (October 18, 2018). "BLACKHAWKS REASSIGN FORWARD LUKE JOHNSON TO ROCKFORD". icehogs.com. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Luke Johnson not qualified by Chicago". CBS Sports . June 25, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
  15. ↑ "Wild signs Luke Johnson to two-year, two-way contract". Minnesota Wild. July 1, 2019. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Jets sign forward Luke Johnson to one-year contract". Winnipeg Jets. July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Barracuda sign forward Luke Johnson". San Jose Barracuda. August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Luke Johnson joins Metallurg" (in Russian). Metallurg Magnitogorsk. July 26, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  19. ↑ Brad Elliott Schlossman (May 17, 2017). "Steve Johnson highlights Hall of Fame class at UND". Grand Forks Herald. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  20. ↑ Brad Elliott Schlossman (August 16, 2011). "UND MEN'S HOCKEY: Grand Forks' Luke Johnson says he'll play for UND". Grand Forks Herald. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  21. ↑ Gray, Tim (May 2, 2016). "USHL Phase I draft pick quick hits: The Stars call a familiar name". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Magnitogorsk completes cup finals sweep". Kontinental Hockey League. 24 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.