Minnesota Wild Sign NHL Veteran Jack Johnson to Professional Tryout

The Minnesota Wild have signed veteran defenseman Jack Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO) contract to add depth on the blue line amid uncertainty around Jonas Brodin's injury status. Johnson, 38, brings 19 NHL seasons of experience, having played nearly 1,300 games and won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. This PTO allows the Wild to evaluate Johnson during training camp without a guaranteed contract, providing insurance if younger defenders like Zeev Buium or David Jiricek need more development. Johnson's extensive career includes stints with the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, and Chicago Blackhawks, with notable playoff experience and strong defensive statistics. The move reflects the Wild's cautious offseason approach, preserving salary cap space while addressing key roster uncertainties. General Manager Bill Guerin emphasized the flexibility this signing offers as the team prepares for the 2025-26 season.