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Jack Johnson, a veteran defenseman with a Stanley Cup ring, has inked a professional tryout contract with the Minnesota Wild.
What’s the latest on NHL free agency? Jack Johnson, a 38-year-old blueliner, is seeking a new team after a stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Johnson, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 227 pounds, skated in 41 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, tallying six assists. His extensive NHL career spans
A Stanley Cup champion with Colorado in 2022, Johnson has also seen action in 57 career playoff games, contributing 21 points, 30 penalty minutes, and 85 blocked shots.
His journey in hockey began with two years at the University of Michigan, where he posted 26 goals, 45 assists, and 71 points in 74 NCAA games. He was initially drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes third overall in the 2005 NHL Draft.
todd Krygier Joins NTDP Coaching Staff
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Former NHLer Todd Krygier is set to join the coaching ranks for the U.S. National Under-17 Team. krygier, who previously guided the Novi high school hockey team to a state championship in 2011, will serve under head coach Greg Moore.
Krygier enjoyed a prolific NHL career, scoring 100 goals and adding 143 assists in 543 games with the Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals, and Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
His coaching experience includes time with the Detroit Compuware AAA hockey program. He also served as an assistant coach for the Grand Rapids Griffins from 2019-2023 and for Western Michigan from 2016-2019,in addition to a head coaching stint with the Muskegon Lumberjacks from 2013-2016.
U.S.Under-18 Team Faces Tough Competition
The U.S. Under-18 team suffered a 5-3 defeat against Sweden in their second game of the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, held Tuesday in Rencin, Slovakia.
“We need to find a way to close out games as a group,” stated U.S.coach Kevin Porter, who hails from Plymouth.”Sweden is a good team, and we got into penalty trouble that cost us. Fortunately, we have another chance tomorrow in a win-or-go-home game.”
Team USA’s next challenge is a preliminary game against Germany on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., which will be broadcast on NHL Network.
Porter, a current assistant coach with the Under-18 NTDP team, brings a wealth of experience, having spent four seasons as an AHL assistant. During that time, he helped the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins reach the Calder Cup playoffs twice.
A standout collegiate player,Porter earned the Hobey Baker memorial Award in 2008 after his senior season at michigan. He went on to play 12 seasons across four NHL and five AHL teams.
Ryker Evans Signs Extension with Seattle Kraken
Seattle Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans has agreed to a two-year contract extension, securing his future with the team thru the 2026-27 season. The deal carries an average annual value of $2.05 million.
Evans, 23, made a notable impact in his first full NHL season with the Kraken, recording 25 points with five goals and 20 assists in 73 games.A second-round pick by Seattle in the 2021 draft, he made his NHL debut on Dec.7, 2023.
“ryker took a positive step forward in his first full season in the NHL,” said general manager Jason Botterill,who also has ties to the University of Michigan. “As turning pro, he’s shown advancement year over year, and we’re confident he’ll take his
