Buffalo Sabres Sign 1st-Round Pick

It's been a long time coming, but the Buffalo Sabres have finally brought their 2019 first-round pick (31st overall) into the fold. Defenseman Ryan Johnson has been signed to a two-year deal.

We have signed defenseman Ryan Johnson to a two-year, entry-level deal!

He will report to @AmerksHockey.

Details: https://t.co/LZ5F35bU5L pic.twitter.com/ZQDQhAUjM8
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) May 27, 2023

The entry-level contract will see Johnson report immediately to the Rochester Americans of the AHL, who are currently battling the Hershey Bears in the Eastern Conference Finals, tied at one win apiece. It'll be interesting to see if he gets into any playoff action.

The left-shot defenseman finally wrapped up his four-year career with the NCAA's University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. In his senior season, he registered 18 points on 4 goals and 14 assists in 40 games. He also had an impressive plus-22 rating, which ranked 13th amongst all NCAA defensemen.

In addition to his four years at Minnesota, Johnson was also part of the Gold-Medal-winning Team USA at the 2021 World Junior Championship.

The Sabres have been waiting a long time for this, and are thrilled he chose to sign rather than go into free agency.