Ducks Name Jim Johnson Director of Player Development
Jul 11, 2022The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the National Hockey League (NHL) club named Jim Johnson Director of Player Development. In his new role, Johnson will prepare and educate Anaheim prospects on succeeding in professional hockey.
Johnson, 59, has spent 24 seasons in the NHL, 11 as a coach and 13 as a player. Johnson served as an assistant coach for numerous NHL clubs, including the Phoenix Coyotes (1999-00), Tampa Bay Lightning (2008-10), Washington Capitals (2011-12), San Jose Sharks (2012-15), Edmonton Oilers (2015-18) and St. Louis Blues (2020-21). He also spent time in amateur hockey serving as an assistant coach for Team USA at three World Junior Championships while also serving in the same capacity at the United States National Team Development Program from 1999-02.
Signed as a free agent defenseman by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1985, Johnson appeared in 829 career games with the Penguins, Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars, Washington and Phoenix, recording 29-166=195 points and 1,197 penalty minutes. He also earned 1-11=12 points in 51 Stanley Cup Playoff games in six postseason appearances. He also represented Team USA at the 1992 Canada Cup and four World Championships (1985, 1986, 1987, 1990).
A native of New Hope, Minn., Johnson played four seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth (1981-85), earning 13-70=83 points and 402 PIM in 174 NCAA games. He captained the Bulldogs in 1983-84 while helping the team to consecutive WCHA championships in 1984 and 1985.