Fri 25 Aug 2023 - 6:00PM
PANTHERS SIGN EXPERIENCED FORWARD ADAM JOHNSON
The Nottingham Panthers have signed experienced 29-year-old forward Adam Johnson to the roster for the 2023-24 season.
Johnson has played in four of the world's best leagues including 13 games for NHL side Pittsburgh Penguins.
The USA-born forward began his professional career with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2017-18 in the American Hockey League, scoring 31 points (11+20) in the regular season.
He spent three years in total with the Pennsylvania-based outfit, contributing 139 points (51+88) in league and playoff action.
His performances saw him called-up to Pittsburgh where he netted four points (1+3) in 13 matches over two years and scored the Penguins' third goal in a 7-4 victory at Minnesota Wild in October 2019.
In 2020-21, he played in the SHL - the top level in Sweden - scoring 12 points (7+5) before returning to the AHL.
After a season-and-a-half with split between Ontario Reign and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Johnson spent last season in Germany's DEL with Augsburger Panther.
Jonathan Paredes, Head Coach of The Nottingham Panthers, said: "Adam is an extremely fast player and has great offensive upside. He creates space for team-mates from his speed.
"He is a player that we feel with the team we are building fits perfectly with his speed and experience.
"We have looked at many guys that played at high levels but the one thing that sticks out is he's still at a good age and very determined to have a big season.
"He's a player that sees the ice very well. There was obviously some high interest in Adam in Europe and we are extremely happy he joined the club."
Johnson said: "Nottingham looks like a great spot. I have heard great things and I really like the look of the rink.
"From what I can tell, Nottingham is a real sports capital and a real sporting town.
"A lot of good players are going to the Elite League so it's something I am keen to be a part of.
"It sounds like the club want to play fast and offensive, so it should be a fun style of hockey and I am looking forward to it."