Vitals:
Position: Forward
Year in School: Junior
Shoots Left
Height: 5-9
Weight: 156
Hometown: Madison, WI
Major: Not sure
Previous Team: Lincoln (USHL) in 06/07
NHL Considerations: 7th round pick of Montreal in the 2008 NHL Draft.
08/09 Stats: 35 games, 3-4-7, E, 44 PIM
07/08 Stats: 40 games, 8-13-21, +8, 36 PIM
09/10 Role: Fighting for PT
08/09 Recap: After a wildly successful freshman season and being drafted by the Canadiens in the NHL Draft, things were looking up for Ratty Johnson. Things didn’t quite go as well during his sophomore campaign. True, a lot of Ratty’s production as a freshman was the benefit of being linemates w/ Blake Geoffrion and Kyle Turris for a large part of the season, and there would be a drop off as his role moved off the 1st line. He was a regular on the PK to start the season, but wasn’t seeing regular shifts there by the end of the season. Ratty admitted that he was trying to be a different player than he was during his freshman year. He looked to be a scorer instead of the high energy player who became a fan favorite on the ice for reasons beyond his last name.
Biggest Strength: As I just mentioned, Ratty’s biggest strength is his high energy game filled w/ reckless abandoned. As a freshman, he took on everyone. NoDak pseudo thug Joe Finley cried in the shower after being owned by Patrick Johnson. I’m no NHL scout, but I think Montreal drafted him for this reason. He is rarely out hussled on the ice, he scores hardworking goals. He was very successful as a freshman doing all of the above. His defensive game isn’t too shabby either.
Biggest Weakness: Unlike his father, he is not big time playmaker, but doesn’t need to be either.
09/10 Thoughts: A familiar theme w/ some of the forwards that have been previewed so far, not sure what to expect this season. I was kinda disappointed last season w/ Ratty’s play. Unlike a few teammates, he always gives his best effort, but I thought as a freshman he was an essential part of the team, he brought something that no one else did. Last season, I didn’t see that. I’m really hoping Ratty returns to his freshman form; there is great depth at forward (common theme) so playing time will be precious. Based on last season’s performance, I think Ratty will fight for PT along w/ a host of other guys. He needs to do something to lock in a spot and I hope he does. When he’s playing his game, he is a fun player to watch.
Prediction: 10 games, 1-2-3*
*All predictions for regular season only
Photo from uwbadgers.com
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