Jack Johnson question

Dubis · 06-20-2009, 10:38 AM

I was curious if Johnson has ever played foward. I think it would be an interesting experiment to have him play wing. It seems to me that with all his offensive talent and punishing style of play he could be a great power foward. Thoughts?

The Judge · 06-20-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubis

I was curious if Johnson has ever played foward. I think it would be an interesting experiment to have him play wing. It seems to me that with all his offensive talent and punishing style of play he could be a great power foward. Thoughts?

I wouldn't mind that idea. He's so skilled. I will put him centering the 2nd line.

Telos · 06-20-2009, 11:00 AM

I thought about that during his rookie season... I think he has a good skillset for it, but I highly doubt management will pull a Boyle-like stunt with him at this point in his career. He is just an all around skilled player with the ability to play both ends of the ice, and that suits being a offensive, defensive, or mobile defenseman too...

Reaper45 · 06-20-2009, 11:37 AM

I thought he originally started out as a forward, in high school or something like that?

BringTheReign · 06-20-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper45

I thought he originally started out as a forward, in high school or something like that?

I remember hearing that his second coach after his dad switched him to defense after playing forward until he was about 13. I think.

Peter James Bond · 06-20-2009, 12:05 PM

Just let Jack play, like his coach did in the World Championships. Jack was #1 on Team USA in goals and total minutes played, and tied for #1 in PP goals.

Stop limiting him and let him play. If Terry Murray was his coach at the Worlds, JJ would not have led the team in goals, minutes played, and been the stud that he was. I basically like Murray, and understand when players must be taken aside or corrected, but you also must let your players perform to their abilities.

Team USA stats:

http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/200/IHM2000USA_83_10_0.pdf

.

KingofLa · 06-20-2009, 01:40 PM

JmfJ used to get thrown on the right wing on the PP back at Michigan. I believe that's one of the reasons that he had so many goals his sophomore season.

DAkings20 · 06-20-2009, 01:59 PM

I wouldn't mind seeing him try it out for a preseason game or two.

Mr Irreverent · 06-20-2009, 02:58 PM

I got destroyed suggesting this on another Kings site. I would love to see him get time on the wing in a pre-season game or two for poops and laughs.

JDM · 06-21-2009, 12:18 AM

He could definately be a force on the wing. However if he can put his defensive game together and improve his decision making, he will be much more useful and helpful as a stellar defenseman. If he can't put it all together in the next couple of seasons then he probably should be moved to wing a la Dustin Byfuglien.

Dubis · 06-21-2009, 12:30 PM

Thanks for the replies. From what I've concluded from his game is that his biggest downfall right now is his mental game. I was just thinking if he didn't have the hockey sense to play defense at the NHL level and continues to make bad decisions in his own end he could still have a great career as a foward.