Ryan Johansen, Columbus Blue Jackets’ first round (4th overall) NHL Entry Draft selection of 2010 has been returned to his Junior club, Portland, on Saturday.
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed the highly touted prospect to a three year entry-level contract September 9th. According to CapGeek.com, with bonuses the deal is worth $1.975 million per-year, which will not take effect until he is recalled from his junior club.
"We are pleased to have Ryan signed prior to the opening of training camp," General manager Scott Howson said upon his signing of Johansen.
Johansen, 18, played last year with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League recording 25 goals and 44 assists for 69 points, had 53 penalty minutes and was a rating of +17 in 71 games. He ranked second among WHL rookies in points. He would follow up his regular season success with 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points games in 13 playoff games to lead his team, and all WHL rookies in playoff scoring while racking up 18 penalty minutes.
"We're excited for Ryan that he has signed with Columbus. I know they will be very impressed with him at camp as he has made significant strides since the end of last season," Winterhawks general manager and coach Mike Johnston said in a release.
The Port Moody, British Columbia native recorded 5-12-17 and 21 penalty minutes in 47 games with Penticton of the BCHL in 2008-09. He added 4-3-7 and two penalty minutes in 10 playoff games to rank fourth on the club in playoff scoring.
Johansen is valued for his puck skills and vision. His large frame at 6’2 192lbs. at just 18 years of age, mixed with his offensive abilities could well set him apart from most power forwards in the NHL. Johansen can move the puck well, and pick up goals around the net, as well as muck it up and grind it out in the corners. Johansen is a hard worker, and got his chance to display his assets in training camp this season.
“I think it’s a good chance to get my feet wet in the League,” Johansen said. “I just want to get used to the speed and try to keep up the best that I can.”
Johansen’s return to juniors comes as no surprise as he still has a lot of growing to do, but he was able to soak up a lot of information and experience through training camp playing with current NHL players. He also looked to his linemates for any and all advice they would share with him.
“Even this morning in the pre-game skate I was listening, trying to learn new stuff every second I am out on the ice,” Johansen added. “They are obviously great guys and I am going to learn a lot these next few days.”
"It was very exciting to see my name on the sheet yesterday to see I was playing with Nash and Umberger. It was unbelievable. Even though we lost it was still a fun game. For my first one being in Columbus it was pretty exciting. Having those two beside me it was a lot of help. They always seemed to be in the right spot and on the bench they were giving me tips. So I am just learning and taking in as much as possible and keep improving."
Johansen’s size and ability project him to possibly be the center that Columbus has been longing for to play with superstar winger Rick Nash. It is unknown as to how soon Johansen will crack the Blue Jackets’ lineup, although some suggest it could be by 2011-12, but what is known is that he will one day, and when he does he will surely impress.
“At my age, I think every 18-year-old knows the big things that they need to do out there,” Johansen said. “It’s just the little, key points that help your game and make that big difference. I’ve learned a lot of those so far in quick little plays and I think it has helped my game a lot.”
- Kendall Grubbs
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