Prospect Info: Ryan Johnson, D, 2019 #31 overall: Signed, Rochester (AHL), Recalled 12/5/24

[SundherDome]

Here is my take.

All of these kids in college went to college for an experience (dorm/apt living, elite facilities, maybe education, the college atmosphere, possibly family ties to a school). We, as fans, should have zero input on what they decide to do. If they want to go back for another, cool, it's their right under the CBA. Give them stuff to work on, keep in touch and make sure they know they have the full backing of an NHL club when they are ready.

This whole money thing and we are going to lose his rights crusade on all college prospects is crazy. Some guys don't care a whole lot about the ELC money and that is up to them, not us. IF Adams gets notice from an agent that his client is not interested in signing, then so be it. It is the players right under the CBA. Would it suck, sure, but that is a risk you have to take when you draft players from any league.

Just sit back and let it play out because honestly, none of us knows anything about these conversations.

 

[tsujimoto74]

Has there been any chatter from insiders yet whether the Sabres are trying to sign him and, if so, whether he's expected to turn pro? I guess there's maybe not the same urgency as with Power since Johnson wouldn't be playing games this season, but I want news, dammit!

 

[WeDislikeEich]

Yes, but he said earlier this year he wanted to turn pro sooner rather than later,

Prospects Update | Johnson's game evolving at University of Minnesota | Buffalo Sabres

2019 first-round pick has been consistent presence on Gophers blue line

www.nhl.com

Couple quotes from that article that made me feel better about him signing:

The Sabres development staff has also maintained solid communication with one of their top prospects in the system. He says the development coaches frequently check in and always contact him before they come to see him play.

"Whether it's Tim [Kennedy], Nate [Paetsch], or even GM Kevyn Adams, they've all put a lot of effort into me," he said. "It's really cool to see and makes me very confident in the future."

Johnson feels confident that he will be able to take the next step in his career sooner rather than later. He's paid attention to the Sabres throughout the season and is thrilled to be a part of what is being built for the future.

"I really do see lots of positives within the organization right now," he said. "They have continued to draft skilled players and develop them. It's just a matter of time before things really start to click in Buffalo."

 

[Husko]

Here is my take.

All of these kids in college went to college for an experience (dorm/apt living, elite facilities, maybe education, the college atmosphere, possibly family ties to a school). We, as fans, should have zero input on what they decide to do. If they want to go back for another, cool, it's their right under the CBA. Give them stuff to work on, keep in touch and make sure they know they have the full backing of an NHL club when they are ready.

This whole money thing and we are going to lose his rights crusade on all college prospects is crazy. Some guys don't care a whole lot about the ELC money and that is up to them, not us. IF Adams gets notice from an agent that his client is not interested in signing, then so be it. It is the players right under the CBA. Would it suck, sure, but that is a risk you have to take when you draft players from any league.

Just sit back and let it play out because honestly, none of us knows anything about these conversations.

The biggest issue remains the arcane NCAA rules that don't allow the players to sign pro contracts and then stay in school. If just that small tweak was allowed, almost all concerns would be alleviated for everyone.

 

[Diaspora]

Here is my take.

All of these kids in college went to college for an experience (dorm/apt living, elite facilities, maybe education, the college atmosphere, possibly family ties to a school). We, as fans, should have zero input on what they decide to do. If they want to go back for another, cool, it's their right under the CBA. Give them stuff to work on, keep in touch and make sure they know they have the full backing of an NHL club when they are ready.

This whole money thing and we are going to lose his rights crusade on all college prospects is crazy. Some guys don't care a whole lot about the ELC money and that is up to them, not us. IF Adams gets notice from an agent that his client is not interested in signing, then so be it. It is the players right under the CBA. Would it suck, sure, but that is a risk you have to take when you draft players from any league.

Just sit back and let it play out because honestly, none of us knows anything about these conversations.

This is sane.

 

[Chainshot]

Has there been any chatter from insiders yet whether the Sabres are trying to sign him and, if so, whether he's expected to turn pro? I guess there's maybe not the same urgency as with Power since Johnson wouldn't be playing games this season, but I want news, dammit!

Why wouldn't he be playing games this season? There is no reason to take that off the negotiating table.

 

[Chainshot]

If he isn't signed by the draft he needs to be dealt.

No.

 

[Jim Bob]

No.

It will all depend on how the conversation with Adams goes. If he sounds like he wants out due to the LHD depth the Sabres have, that makes him a prospect that while he doesn’t HAVE to move at the draft, he would be a prospect that I would try and use as a trade piece this off season as long as the trade value is of a future 2nd+.

RyJo to LA in a deal for a good young RHD could be a win-win for both teams.

 

[sabremike]

It will all depend on how the conversation with Adams goes. If he sounds like he wants out due to the LHD depth the Sabres have, that makes him a prospect that while he doesn’t HAVE to move at the draft, he would be a prospect that I would try and use as a trade piece this off season as long as the trade value is of a future 2nd+.

RyJo to LA in a deal for a good young RHD could be a win-win for both teams.

Why would his rights have any value at all to any team if he decides to go back? So you get a 2 month window to sign him after Cawlidge Hawkey season ends?

 

[Chainshot]

It will all depend on how the conversation with Adams goes. If he sounds like he wants out due to the LHD depth the Sabres have, that makes him a prospect that while he doesn’t HAVE to move at the draft, he would be a prospect that I would try and use as a trade piece this off season as long as the trade value is of a future 2nd+.

RyJo to LA in a deal for a good young RHD could be a win-win for both teams.

Putting arbitrary timelines on things is nearly as stupid as the handwringing over whether players will sign or not.

 

[Chainshot]

Why would his rights have any value at all to any team if he decides to go back? So you get a 2 month window to sign him after Cawlidge Hawkey season ends?

He's a former first round pick so he is at worst worth the compensatory pick a team with his rights would receive the year following him turning pro.

 

[Jim Bob]

Why would his rights have any value at all to any team if he decides to go back? So you get a 2 month window to sign him after Cawlidge Hawkey season ends?

If he isn’t signing here because of the depth of LHD, there is a chance that he signs with another team before next season, especially his hometown team that employs his father.

 

[Diaspora]

If he isn’t signing here because of the depth of LHD, there is a chance that he signs with another team before next season, especially his hometown team that employs his father.

If he isn't signing here because he doesn't think he can crack the lineup, do we even want him?

 

[dotcommunism]

He doesn't even need to sign elsewhere/turn pro. Simply becoming a UFA after his draft rights expire would trigger a compensatory pick.

 

[tsujimoto74]

Why wouldn't he be playing games this season? There is no reason to take that off the negotiating table.

Just an assumption on my part that the development plan for him includes the AHL before the NHL

 

[tsujimoto74]

The biggest issue remains the arcane NCAA rules that don't allow the players to sign pro contracts and then stay in school. If just that small tweak was allowed, almost all concerns would be alleviated for everyone.

100%. Every other league allows players to sign their ELC and continue playing where they are...except the KHL, which, not coincidentally, seems to hurt the draft stock of prospects playing there.

 

[Husko]

He doesn't even need to sign elsewhere/turn pro. Simply becoming a UFA after his draft rights expire would trigger a compensatory pick.

What round? Also what if he became a UFA then signed with the Sabres? Is such gaming the system not allowed?

 

[Chainshot]

Just an assumption on my part that the development plan for him includes the AHL before the NHL

Right, but why wouldn't they have the option to burn a year on the negotiating table right now? There is no reason that he HAS to play AHL games THIS season. Yes, the AHL is likely the way forward for next season, but he wouldn't be the first nor the last player who comes out to some NHL games before that happens.

 

[Chainshot]

What round? Also what if he became a UFA then signed with the Sabres? Is such gaming the system not allowed?

Compensatory pick is in the 2nd round equal to the position he was selected in the first round, so #31 of round 2 (in a normal year, the 62nd pick).

 

[cybresabre]

He doesn't even need to sign elsewhere/turn pro. Simply becoming a UFA after his draft rights expire would trigger a compensatory pick.

Kevyn clearly has convinced him to go back, grow a little more, go UFA, and THEN sign with us to build the franchise's asset base.

 

[Djp]

Compensatory pick is in the 2nd round equal to the position he was selected in the first round, so #31 of round 2 (in a normal year, the 62nd pick).

31 pick in the 2nd would be 32+31=63 OA….

be Ause of the comp I’m not worried if he doesn’t sig…if he’s traded the return must exceed thst.

 

[Chainshot]

31 pick in the 2nd would be 32+31=63 OA….

be Ause of the comp I’m not worried if he doesn’t sig…if he’s traded the return must exceed thst.

Ah, that’s right. Seattle.

 

[Lloydchristmas138]

I think he was always the most important one to sign now instead of Portillo and Levi. They both only had one year of starting experience. Johnson I think is ready to play pros right now. AHL time always helps but I really wouldn’t be surprised if he can hold his own in the NHL right now.

 

[MagnumForce2]

I think he was always the most important one to sign now instead of Portillo and Levi. They both only had one year of starting experience. Johnson I think is ready to play pros right now. AHL time always helps but I really wouldn’t be surprised if he can hold his own in the NHL right now.

Agreed

 

[tsujimoto74]

Moved the goalie discussion to the Portillo thread. Let's keep'r on topic.