BREAKING: Jack Johnson is Done in Pittsburgh!

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced they have bought-out defenseman Jack Johnson. The American defenseman had three years left on his contract.

The buy out comes after Penguins general manager, Jim Rutherford came to Johnson's defense on multiple occasions as he was trying his best to show other teams he believed in the player. The banter didn't work and it turns out a trade could not be facilitated.

Teams likely to be interested in Johnson's services, the Winnipeg Jets, Colorado Avalanche and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Indeed, The Penguins have bought out Jack Johnson. He had three years left on his contract. https://t.co/zMGrvpYpwU

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 5, 2020

This move frees up more cap space for the Pens as the team continues to gauge the trade market on goaltender, Matt Murray.

Johnson's contract now sits on the Pens cap for the next six years at a reduced cost. Instead of over $3 million, this year Johnson will only cost the Pens $1.16 million. 

Interesting times in Pittsburgh! 

Photo credit: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

Give Rutherford credit. Realized he made mistake with that 5-year deal for Johnson and he's getting out of it with buyout. Lots of defencemen also benefit from the buyouts by signing deals for $1.5 mil with other teams as 5-6 D. See Sekera in Dallas.

— Jim Matheson (@jimmathesonnhl) October 5, 2020