Columbus Blue Jackets: Jack Johnson will be Motivated in 2017-18

If Jack Johnson needed additional motivation this offseason, he got it when he was left exposed for the expansion draft. After not being selected and remaining with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the 30-year old defenseman has much left to prove.

Jack Johnson left his mark on the 2016-17 Columbus Blue Jackets by providing his best overall season to date. You might not see this by looking at the stat sheet, but his overall impact on the game improved.

Playing alongside David Savard last year gave Johnson the opportunity to be utilized in a critical role. The two were often on the ice late in games for the biggest faceoffs against the best opponents.

Despite the recent emergence of two young superstars, Zach Werenski and Seth Jones, I don’t expect Johnson’s presence to disappear late in games this season.

In fact, Jack Johnson has the opportunity to make himself more present on the ice due to the Blue Jackets defensive core strengthening over the past year. He’ll be able to stay fresh later in games which should help him stand out.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

Hopefully Jack Johnson and David Savard will play on the same line again in 2017-18. They’ve earned the right to play significant minutes and square up against the biggest names in the NHL.

While Werenski and Jones will continue to put up offensive numbers, Johnson will be a solid depth defenseman for Columbus.

Approaching his 11th season in the league, Johnson hasn’t showed signs of slowing down yet. He won’t be relied on for the power play, but he’ll contribute at full strength and on the penalty kill.

His career best +/- of 23 last year was one of the best in the NHL. It may not be as high this year, but as far as his actual ability, don’t expect Johnson to regress.

Contract year

An unrestricted free agent in 2018, Jack Johnson has every reason to be fired up for this season. Whether it’s in Columbus or not, he’ll get a solid contract if he plays the way he is capable of for another year.

Despite other young defensemen arriving for the Columbus Blue Jackets, there’s a place for Johnson on the roster if he proves he can still play. The Michigan product has been particularly impressive in the playoffs, giving the Blue Jackets even more of a reason to try and keep him.

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Jack Johnson likely won’t light up the stat sheet this year, but he’ll be a key piece on the Jackets defense in 2017-18.