For the next seven years and counting, Jack Johnson will call Los Angeles his home. The 23-year-old signed an extension with the Kings which will keep him in town until 2018, as the deal was confirmed shortly after Saturday's 6-4 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Kings Court: Jack Johnson Signs Seven-Year Extension With Los Angeles
Johnson factored in with three assists, reaching 31 points through half a season’s length. Under this contract, he will receive $3.5 million for each of the first three years and $5 million in the last four. As a blooming defenseman, he has seen his stock skyrocket in the past year, achieving a silver medal with the United States at the Winter Olympics and becoming a stalwart on Los Angeles’ back line.
Head coach Terry Murray is pleased for his young rearguard.
“That’s great for Jack,” said Los Angeles head coach Terry Murray. “He’s a young guy that’s going to be a great player in this game for a long time, so it’s great to get him locked up. Those young defensemen are very hard to find, the guys with skill and talent and ability like that.”
Building from within, the club has allowed Johnson and other young players to develop rather than recruiting expensive free agents. Their patience has paid dividends, as Los Angeles will be a contender in the Western Conference for years to come.
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