Ross Johnston, a pending restricted free agent, has signed a four-year deal to remain with the New York Islanders.
On Jan. 19, Ross Johnston was recalled from Bridgeport after scoring three goals and 11 points in 37 games with the Sound Tigers. He also led the American Hockey League (AHL) with 113 penalty minutes at the time of the recall.
Johnston scored three goals and six points with 62 penalty minutes in 24 games with the New York Islanders this past season. He also played one NHL game during the 2015-16 season (the team’s final regular-season game) for a total of 25 NHL games.
Now, he’s been signed long-term.
On Monday, the team announced it has signed Johnston to a four-year deal.
#Isles Transaction: The team has agreed to terms on a four-year contract with Ross Johnston.
Details: https://t.co/5jy3D0doXh pic.twitter.com/HJTPx4iJmI
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 9, 2018
The 24-year-old also was involved in nine fights last season, four in the NHL and another five in the AHL. All nine fights were decisive wins for the 6-foot-5, 235-pound winger, highlighted by a takedown of Ryan Lomberg of the Calgary Flames and going after Tom Wilson.
According to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, the Charlottetown, PE, CAN native’s new four-year deal will pay him $1 million annually.
Clearly, president of hockey operations and general manager Lou Lamoriello and the Islanders organization are very high on the kid.
Johnston plays a simple game and does things the right way. He gets pucks into the offensive zone, finishes checks and stands up for his teammates when necessary.
The new deal is definitely interesting, to say the least, and with Matt Martin back aboard, you could argue there is no longer a need for Johnston on the team.
The Islanders now have a log-jam of forwards with Johnston most likely competing for a spot on the fourth line with Martin, Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck and Valtteri Filppula.
