After 13 NHL seasons, Ryan Johnson says he still feels great

Ryan Johnson is nearing the end of the hockey line and he knows it.

But the fire still burns within and he’d like to see if he can’t stretch out his NHL career for another season or two.

Johnson, who joined the Chicago Blackhawks midway through the 2010-11 season, is an unrestricted free agent this summer and says he’s got a couple irons in the fire that might just see him continue to build on a resume that’s taken him from Florida to Vancouver and several points in between over 13 seasons. 

“My body feels great after getting healthy last year. It was probably the best thing for me to wait some time and get my feet completely healthy,” said Johnson, who spent one game in the American Hockey League before getting the call to the big league club.

Johnson, a shot blocking specialist, collected a goal and five assists in 34 games, adding an assist in six playoff games as the Hawks bowed out in seven to Vancouver in the opening round, erasing a 3-0 series deficit before falling in OT in Game 7.

“I feel great. I feel like I’m still 19 or 20 years old in my legs and my entire body. So I’m hoping to play another year or two.”

Johnson, through his agent, has put feelers out with a couple of teams, though he declined to name which ones.

He knows it might be a bit of a wait, as teams reassess their needs following a free agent frenzy that saw more than 100 players sign deals once the July 1 deadline hit.

“When you get to my stage of my career, it often can take a little longer and teams may want to feel some things out with some younger players, possibly,” said Johnson, who turned 35 last month.

“Also, with the salary cap the way it is, you’re trying to fit into the financial puzzle as well. We’ll see what happens, but I’ll just stay ready and get ready to go.”

Johnson has 38 goals and 122 points in 701 NHL games, and said he’s sticking around for one reason and one reason only – to capture that elusive Stanley Cup ring.

“I’ve been fortunate to play 14 years in the league and I haven’t been able to win it all yet. So that’s what I’m hoping to do.”