According to The Athletic, Jack Johnson's time remaining with the Pittsburgh Penguins is very limited. Athletic Reporter Josh Yohe quotes a source within the Pens organization and another in the league as saying Johnson was told many potential deals are on the table for him, and he's not likely to be with Pittsburgh when the team opens its regular season Thursday against the Sabres.
Johnson was signed to a five-year, $16.25 million agreement with Pittsburgh in July of 2018. Last season, he managed one goal and 13 points, while being heavily criticized for his play in the defensive zone.
Yohe states Johnson, 32, is likely to be traded within the next 48 hours. Depending on the injuries sustained by Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust Saturday night (both left the game and didn't return), the Pens have to do something to get under the cap before the regular season begins. That said, it's likely they'd be open to offers on Johnson regardless, given the decline in his play.
Johnson was selected third overall in the 2005 entry draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. His rights were traded to the LA Kings before he ever hit the NHL. After almost five full season with the Kings, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he played more than six seasons. In January of 2018, it was reported that Johnson requested a trade from the Jackets, citing a reduced role as well as a desire to better position himself as a free agent in the summer. Despite that, he remained a member of the team for the rest of the season, and signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent in the offseason.
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