John Joseph Louis Johnson III Bio
John Joseph Louis Johnson III is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Johnson was selected third overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 NHL entry draft and went on to play for the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, and Chicago Blackhawks. Known as a two-way defenseman combining physical prowess with offensive capability, he won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. Johnson represented the United States internationally, most notably earning a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Early Life and Background
Johnson was born on January 13, 1987, in Indianapolis, Indiana. His family relocated to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, shortly after his birth. Growing up in Michigan, he played minor hockey for Little Caesar’s before transferring to Shattuck-Saint Mary’s Boarding School in Faribault, Minnesota, prior to his eighth-grade year. During his sophomore season at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s in 2002–03, Johnson contributed significantly to the school’s Midget Major AAA team winning the United States National Championship, suiting up alongside future NHL star Sidney Crosby.
Path to Hockey
Prior to turning professional, Johnson honed his skills with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. His outstanding performance at the under-18 level led to his selection as the third overall pick in the 2005 NHL entry draft by the Carolina Hurricanes. Rather than immediately joining the NHL, Johnson chose to play collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. In his freshman season, he set school records for points and penalty minutes by a freshman defenseman, demonstrating his two-way style of play.
John Joseph Louis Johnson III Career
Los Angeles Kings (2007–2012)
After Michigan’s exit from the 2007 NCAA Tournament, Johnson signed his entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings in March 2007 and made his NHL debut on March 29 against the Vancouver Canucks. He recorded his first career point on October 10, 2007, and scored his first NHL goal on October 19 against Roberto Luongo of the Canucks, finishing his rookie season with three goals and eight assists. The following season was derailed by a shoulder injury requiring surgery, causing him to miss 41 games. Johnson experienced a breakthrough in 2009–10, scoring eight goals and 28 assists while earning a selection to Team USA for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
On January 8, 2011, Johnson signed a seven-year contract extension worth $30.5 million with annual cap hit of $4.3 million. He concluded the 2010–11 season with a career-high 42 points, ranking sixth among all Kings skaters. On February 23, 2012, the Kings traded Johnson to the Columbus Blue Jackets along with a first-round draft pick in exchange for Jeff Carter. He played 21 games with Columbus that season, recording four goals and ten assists.
Columbus Blue Jackets (2012–2018)
Upon arriving in Columbus, Johnson assumed jersey number 7, previously worn by Carter. During the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, he served as one of the Blue Jackets’ alternate captains and emerged as a de facto leader for the franchise. He broke the team record for most ice time in regulation during a game against the Detroit Red Wings, nearing 35 minutes. Despite his strong leadership qualities, the captaincy eventually went to Nick Foligno. The 2013–14 season began with struggles, but Johnson recovered to score 33 points and help Columbus clinch its first playoff berth since 2009. He led all Blue Jackets players in playoff scoring with three goals and seven points in their first-round series against Pittsburgh.
In January 2018, Johnson requested a trade from Columbus, citing a reduced role and desire to improve his free agency positioning. He remained with the team through the trade deadline before departing as a free agent.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2018–2020)
On July 1, 2018, Johnson signed a five-year, $16.25 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He wore number 73 with Pittsburgh as Matt Cullen used his usual number 7. After two seasons with the Penguins that included disappointing results, the team placed him on unconditional waivers in October 2020 for a contract buyout, ending his tenure in Pittsburgh.
New York Rangers (2020–2021)
Days after clearing waivers, Johnson signed a one-year, $1.15 million contract with the New York Rangers on October 9, 2020. He appeared in 13 games during the 2020–21 season before undergoing core muscle repair surgery on March 20, 2021, effectively ending his campaign.
Colorado Avalanche (2021–2022)
As an unrestricted free agent, Johnson joined the Colorado Avalanche on a professional tryout contract in September 2021. After impressing during training camp, he secured a one-year, $750,000 contract and made the opening-night roster. On October 13, 2021, he scored the Avalanche’s first goal of the season against his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks. On March 1, 2022, Johnson reached the milestone of playing his 1,000th NHL game. Although he did not feature in the early rounds of the playoffs due to depth chart changes, an injury to Sam Girard elevated him to the active roster. He participated in all 13 games as the Avalanche captured the Stanley Cup, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.
Chicago Blackhawks (2022–2023) and Return to Colorado
Following his Stanley Cup triumph, Johnson signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on August 17, 2022. He made his debut on opening night against his former Avalanche teammates during the Stanley Cup banner-raising ceremony. Used in a top-four pairing role with the rebuilding franchise, he recorded four assists through 58 regular season games. In February 2023, Johnson returned to the Avalanche via trade in exchange for Andreas Englund. He subsequently re-signed with Colorado for the 2023–24 season before returning to Columbus for a second stint in July 2024.
Final Seasons and Transition
Johnson appeared in 41 games during the 2024–25 season with Columbus, registering six assists in a rotational bottom-pairing role. As a free agent, he attended the Minnesota Wild training camp on a professional tryout basis in August 2025 but was released in October. On January 5, 2026, Johnson transitioned to professional scouting when he was hired by the Vancouver Canucks, concluding his 19-year playing career.
International Career
Johnson represented the United States at multiple international tournaments. He competed at the 2004 and 2006 IIHF World Championships, earning All-Star Team honors at the 2006 World Junior Championships despite failing to medal. At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, he was named to Team USA and notably became the first American-born NHL player to march in the Olympic opening ceremony. He contributed to the American silver medal effort, recording one assist in six games. He later captained Team USA at the 2010 IIHF World Championship.
John Joseph Louis Johnson III Career Wins
Throughout his 19 NHL seasons, Johnson accumulated victories across multiple franchises. His most significant achievement came in 2022 when he captured the Stanley Cup championship with the Colorado Avalanche. He also earned a silver medal representing the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Championship Achievements
Johnson’s championship resume includes the 2022 Stanley Cup with Colorado Avalanche. He was part of the Avalanche’s playoff run that saw them defeat the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final before overcoming the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games for the title. During his collegiate career at Michigan, he won a United States National Championship with Shattuck-Saint Mary’s in 2003.
Individual Honors
At the University of Michigan, Johnson earned CCHA Offensive Defenseman of the Year honors following his sophomore season, in which he set the school record for most goals by a sophomore defenseman. He was selected to the All-Star Team at the 2006 World Junior Championship and was also chosen to Team USA’s Olympic roster in 2010.
John Joseph Louis Johnson III Family
Family Background
Johnson was raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, after his family relocated from Indianapolis during his infancy. He is married to Kelly Quinn, the sister of former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn. Through this connection, he is the brother-in-law of former NFL linebacker AJ Hawk.
Personal Life
Johnson married Kelly Quinn, establishing a connection to professional football through her brother Brady Quinn. In October 2014, Johnson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, reporting assets of $50,000 against estimated debts of $10 to $15 million. Court documents revealed that between 2008 and 2011, Johnson granted power of attorney to his mother Tina Johnson for financial management. His parents subsequently took out several large loans against his future earnings without his knowledge, leading to default lawsuits from lenders. Johnson reached settlements with creditors by 2016, agreeing to liquidate two homes and a luxury car. In a notable achievement outside hockey, Johnson graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in general studies in spring 2022 at age 35.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 NHL season marked Johnson’s final campaign as an active player. Returning to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a second stint on a one-year contract, Johnson appeared in 41 regular season games. Deployed in a rotational bottom-pairing role due to his age and declining mobility at 38 years old, he recorded six assists throughout the season. Following the conclusion of his contract and the conclusion of his playing career, Johnson pursued opportunities to remain in professional hockey. He attended the Minnesota Wild training camp on a professional tryout basis in August 2025 but was unable to secure a roster spot, leading to his release in October. The subsequent transition into scouting with the Vancouver Canucks in January 2026 marks the beginning of his post-playing career in hockey operations.
