As noted in yesterday’s discussions, a case could be made for Jack Johnson’s inclusion on the NHL All-Star team. The selection for defensemen isn’t all about scoring, of course, but Johnson does rank in the top six among NHL defensemen this season in points (31, tied for sixth) and assists (27, tied for fifth). Johnson also has 21 power-play points, which leads all Kings by a wide margin (Anze Kopitar has 13). Johnson, who turns 24 tomorrow, seems on his way to rounding out some of the rough edges in his game, and for most young defensemen that only comes with time. Johnson will have plenty of time to figure it out with the Kings, as he just signed a seven-year, $30.5-million contract extension. Terry Murray gave his thoughts on Johnson’s play…
MURRAY: “He’s having a very good year with point production. He’s a player that shoots the puck. He’s got great ability, at the offensive blue line, to create some space for himself. He’s got a wonderful wrist shot, getting pucks through to the net. So he’s breaking through on the offensive-production side of things and, I think, on the other side of things. Without the puck, his game has dramatically improved. Obviously the organization is very pleased with him, with the seven-year deal that was offered and signed recently, so we’ve got a couple real pillars of strength back there that we’re going to build around.”
I have to say again that this deal was such a pleasant surprise. As a fan, I am really happy to know he will be right here in LA (and right down the street from me) practicing and learning how to become a better defenseman for years to come. One thing I’ll point out, it is great to see him come back this year more committed than ever after DD’s breakout season last year. I love that kind of commitment and determination and that he didn’t shrink because of it. We are very lucky to have these two guys!
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LBlocal Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
@waves, Do you think it’s time for Jack, more so than DD, to take a more vocal role in the locker room? After all, he’s inked longer than any on the roster.
gKg!
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wavesinair Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
@LBlocal, Yes, I do. Only observing from afar, I have a sense he may thrive in that role. But not knowing any of the players personally it’s extremely difficult to know. But yes, I really do think he should take a more prominent role.
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I think the all-star game is ok and the NHL wants to promote itself, but I think it’s overrated.
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KC23 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
@puckbob, Way overrated. Allstar game is a joke. Always has been, always will be.
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JMFJ for seven years OH YEAH!!
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IMho, JJ has taken the steps to improve his game and help the team with his offense during what his contract year. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for another prominent defenseman also in a contract year who will still get his big contract despite the obvious regression in his overall game this year.
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FM3 Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 11:12 am
@vplaza, Like TM and DL have said before, DD’s season last year was a breakthrough on how good he really is. Now he just needs to adjust to what teams are doing to him now. His talent ceiling is huge and he’s smart so he will figure it out. I’ll take a dedicated DD all day long. He made mistakes last year too, but everyone was looking at all the positives and seemed to overlook the negatives. This year he was expected to raise above that and teams dedicated themselves to stopping him. When you are part of an opposing teams game plan, you will still get your points but they will be fewer, however, it does free up attention on another player.
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vplaza Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
@FM3, I will not doubt how good DD is and can be. And I will agree that ‘some’ of his drop in play and production is attributable to other teams focusing more on him than last year. But, I also believe that most of his dropoff can be linked to his apparent lack of commitment to an off-season preparation program, resulting in a poor camp, poor exhibition season, and poor play at the beginning of the year.
Then he got hurt, which delayed his opportunity to correct the things he needed. Since he came back, he has shown flashes of brilliance, but overall, has played an average game. Still, a player of his potential caliber should be able to adjust and we all hope he’s on the way to doing that this year.
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I’m all in favor of signing these key player like JJ to long term contracts and keeping the “core” together…then adding pieces like Smyth, Mitchell, Williams, etc.
After following this team for over 30 years (many in total frustration), I find myself impatient at times eager to see the team get back to the Cup Finals! But I have to remember that this is still a very young team with tons of talent, and that there is still lots of “growing” to do.
I know that it’s only mid-way through the season, but maybe this isn’t the year (I hope, by some chance that it IS the year), but I feel we’re probably still 2 or 3 key “players” away from making a run for the Cup. Maybe those pieces are Schenn, Lokti, Voynov, Bernier…but those player will have growing pains too.
I’d hate to see the team “blown” up (like years past) if they don’t make the playoffs this year, because I can see when THIS team is “firing” on all cylinders, the team can make a statement…like shutting out both Detroit and San Jose in their buildings! Then a few weeks later losing games to Toronto and Nashville, where they totally dominate for 1/2 the game, then tank for the other half.
I see the biggest problem now ISN’T the players (or lack thereof), or the coaches or management. It’s the teams collective and individual CONFIDENCE. Because this game is so fast, just one second of hesitation and BOOM, the puck is in their net, and there’s some confidence lost. They need to find their ZONE and they need to find it in the second part of the season and into the playoffs. If they find it and keep it…they are virtually unbeatable.
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KFII Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 7:14 am
@CupRun2011,
“I see the biggest problem now ISN’T the players (or lack thereof), or the coaches or management. It’s the teams collective and individual CONFIDENCE”
I completely agree. A win would be a start. Maybe the team needs to watch the game against Detroit and San Jose over and over again. It couldn’t hurt. See it, believe it, this is what you are capable of!
Make us happy tonight Kings, get back on your game.
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Jack definitely deserves to be an All-Star over Mike Green of Washington.
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Jack is good hockey player. He is never going to be the main guy in the team like Proger. Took Oilers to the cup and ducks then philly. all we needed was him and a sniper. That is the kind of sgining we need from Dean to get us a cup.
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Dominick Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 10:18 am
@Jesse, The guys only 23 and already a pretty good D-man. By the time he’s 30 we won’t be able to afford him. He has years of moldig still. He’s not afraid to drop the gloves, jump into the offensive zone, or lay the body on someone. By the time he’s 28, with a little more of a mean streak, he’ll develope into a young Chris Chelios.
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Happy Birthday JJ!
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Happy Birthday Jack! Now go out there tonight and get a hat trick!
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I can’t see Jack Johnson being an all star until he plays at least average defense.
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Hadley Reply:
January 14th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth, Jack’s strong offense and horrific defense can keep both teams in the game. Most of the time in his own zone, Jack is simply lost — unable to use basic defensive techniques he should have learned in Bantams.
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Happy BD to one of the true class acts in the NHL, young or old, on and off the ice. Looking forward to 7 more great years of smart, tough play, and very glad that will be as a franchise player for the Los Angeles Kings.
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