Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) – Defenseman Ryan Johnson was at Buffalo Sabres Development Camp last year, but wasn’t signed to his entry-level contract yet.
Buffalo's 2019 first-round pick said, at the time, he enjoyed being at camp and loved the organization. However, he ended up going back to the University of Minnesota for his senior season of college hockey.
After the Golden Gophers lost in the Frozen Four Final in overtime to Quinnipiac University, Johnson decided to sign with the Sabres instead of becoming an unrestricted free agent.
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"It was a big life decision for me and I had options to do other things," said Johnson on Sunday following the opening day of Sabres Development Camp. "I had a lot of input, and I took my time to make sure I made the right choice."
Being here last year helped Johnson while he was deciding, because he experienced Buffalo and got to meet many of his future teammates.
"It was a huge part, seeing what’s happening on the team. I noticed that upward progression and the culture changes," Johnson said.
"It’s been a gift to be around this team and the other prospects, and it was cool going to Rochester for one week too (the final week of the Calder Cup Eastern Conference Final). It’s special being a part of the organization officially."
Johnson getting a chance to see the Amerks play against an older and bigger team like the Hershey Bears helped him understand a little about the next level.
"I took away the intensity, and that teams are so built and strong. I noticed how that group was so close together too, and things were just a lot different than they were in college, the pro life, like the freedom to do whatever," Johnson explained.
After the Bobcats won the National Championship in April, their captain Zach Metsa signed a two-year AHL contract with the Rochester Americans and performed very well in the playoffs. I found it very interesting that once Johnson got there, head coach Seth Appert roomed the two rivals on the road.
"I got to talk to him quite a bit, and he was a nice guy," Johnson said of Metsa. "It was pretty recently that we played each other, so I talked to him briefly about it and I moved on from there."
Metsa likes how Johnson plays and, at least, to start the season this upcoming season, they should be teammates with the Amerks.
"He’s a great player, and he’s going to be just fine coming in," said Metsa shortly after Johnson signed his entry-level contract. "I’m here if he needs somebody to talk to, but he’s a big, strong guy and he’s a first-round pick. So I think he’ll do alright."
Metsa played five years of college hockey and is 24-year-old, while Johnson will turn 22 later this month.
Johnson is one of six first-round picks that have yet to play a game for the Sabres. It's just another example of how deep this organization is.
The team will take July 4 off and then be back at Harborcenter for Development Camp on Wednesday and Thursday.
