The Buffalo Sabers have signed defenseman Ryan Johnson to a two-year entry-level contract, the team announced Saturday morning. He will report to the Rochester Americans.
The Sabers selected Johnson in the first round (31st overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. His senior season at the University of Minnesota ended in an overtime loss to Quinnipiac in April’s national championship game.
Johnson, 21, had 18 points (4+14) in 40 games as a senior. His plus-22 rating was the best of his career, ranking 13th among NCAA defenders.
Johnson’s resume includes honorable mention All Big Ten selections (including this season), three straight Academic All Big Ten team selections and a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 World Junior Championships.
The left-back hails from Irvine, California. His father, Craig, was an NHL forward who played 557 games and currently works as an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks.
The Amerks are tied 1-1 with the Hershey Bears in the AHL Eastern Conference Finals. The best-of-seven series moves back to Rochester for Game 3 tonight. The faceoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m
The Amerks, in association with MSG Networks, announced on Friday that MSG will televise all remaining games in the series.
Coverage is available to everyone in MSG Networks’ regional footprint, including all of New York State.
In addition, both games will also be available to authenticated subscribers from participating providers on MSG Networks’ live streaming and video-on-demand platform, ‘MSG GO’. Subscribers with a supported smartphone or tablet can download the free “MSG GO” app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Viewers can also access the game by visiting MSGGo.com.
The games are also available on AHLTV or on The Fan Rochester.