Ryan Johnson (born July 24, 2001) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the first round, 31st overall, by the Sabres in the 2019 NHL entry draft.
Playing career Johnson played with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League (USHL) before he was drafted 31st overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2019 NHL entry draft. He committed to a collegiate career with the University of Minnesota in the Big Ten Conference (B1G).
After completing his college career, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Sabres in May 2023 and was assigned to AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans as that team was playing in the AHL Eastern Conference finals.
In the 2023–24 season, Johnson achieved a major career milestone by making his debut in the National Hockey League. This moment came on November 4, 2023, when he suited up for a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. His call-up followed a strong performance with the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of his NHL team.
Personal life Johnson's father is former NHL forward Craig Johnson who was a draft pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 1990 NHL entry draft and played 557 games in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Ryan was born in Irvine, California, while Craig was playing for the Kings.
Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2016–17 Anaheim Jr. Ducks T1EHL 32 3 21 24 10 4 0 4 4 4 2017–18 Anaheim Jr. Ducks T1EHL 35 12 33 45 36 — — — — — 2018–19 Sioux Falls Stampede USHL 54 6 19 25 26 12 2 6 8 4 2019–20 University of Minnesota B1G 37 0 8 8 20 — — — — — 2020–21 University of Minnesota B1G 27 2 12 14 12 — — — — — 2021–22 University of Minnesota B1G 39 3 16 19 14 — — — — — 2022–23 University of Minnesota B1G 40 4 14 18 8 — — — — — 2023–24 Rochester Americans AHL 27 0 9 9 6 5 0 1 1 2 2023–24 Buffalo Sabres NHL 41 0 7 7 12 — — — — — 2024–25 Rochester Americans AHL 66 2 11 13 38 8 0 1 1 8 2024–25 Buffalo Sabres NHL 3 0 0 0 4 — — — — — 2025–26 Buffalo Sabres NHL 3 0 0 0 2 — — — — — 2025–26 Rochester Americans AHL 56 5 14 19 40 2 1 1 2 2NHL totals 47 0 7 7 18 — — — — —
International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2019 United States WJAC 6 0 0 0 2 2021 United States WJC 7 1 3 4 6Junior totals 13 1 3 4 8
Awards and honors Award YearUSHL All-Rookie Team 2019 Clark Cup champion 2019
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