Ryan Johnson (born July 24, 2001) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the first round, 31st overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2019 NHL entry draft.
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Playing career
Johnson played with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League (USHL) before he was drafted 31st overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2019 NHL entry draft. He committed to a collegiate career with the University of Minnesota in the Big Ten Conference (B1G).
After completing his college career, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Sabres in May 2023 and was assigned to AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans as that team was playing in the AHL Eastern Conference finals.
In the 2023–24 season, Johnson achieved a major career milestone by making his debut in the National Hockey League. This moment came on November 4, 2023, when he suited up for a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His call-up followed a strong performance with the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of his NHL team.
On October 12, 2026, Johnson was traded by the Sabres to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch.
Personal life
Johnson's father is former NHL forward Craig Johnson who was a draft pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 1990 NHL entry draft and played 557 games in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Ryan was born in Irvine, California, while Craig was playing for the Kings.