Former Penguins forward Adam Johnson dies at 29 in 'freak accident’ during game

Adam Johnson, a forward who played 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2018-19, died Saturday as a result of what his Elite Ice Hockey League team in England called a "freak accident" on the ice during a game. He was 29.

"The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night," his team said in a statement. "The Panthers would like to send our thoughts and condolences to Adam's family, his partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time. 

"Everyone at the club including players, management and ownership are heartbroken at the news of Adam's passing. Our thoughts are also with the fans and staff of both clubs, especially those who attended or were following the game, who will be devastated following today's news."

According to reports, Johnson collided with another player during the game and suffered a cut to the neck from a skate.

"The Pittsburgh Penguins join the entire hockey world in mourning Adam Johnson, whose life tragically ended far too soon," the Penguins said in a social media post Sunday. "We offer our deepest condolences to Adam's family and friends, as well as all of Adam's past and present teammates and coaches. Adam will always be part of the Penguins family. It was our honor to watch him fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League."

Said the NHL in a statement, "The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson. Our prayers and deepest condolences go to his family, friends and teammates."

Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Johnson went undrafted after playing two seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Penguins on July 6. 2017, and that season had 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 70 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.

He had two assists in six games for the Penguins in 2018-19 and one goal and one assist in seven games for Pittsburgh the next season. His lone NHL goal came in a 7-4 win at the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 12, 2019.

After the Penguins, Johnson played for Malmo in the Swedish Hockey League, and then came back to North America to play in the AHL for Ontario (Los Angeles Kings) and Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia Flyers). Last season he played for Augsburger in Germany before coming to Nottingham.

"The Elite Ice Hockey League is heartbroken to confirm that Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson sadly passed away following a freak accident in Saturday's game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers," read a league statement. "The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam's family, friends and teammates at this incredibly sad and difficult time. We would also ask everyone to respect the privacy of Adam's family at this time."

Scott Arniel, an associate coach for the Winnipeg Jets, said late Saturday that several players on the team had ties to Johnson.

"Obviously everybody had heard that there was an accident, and obviously our condolences go out to the Johnson family," Arniel said. "This is a hockey world, and this is a hockey tragedy. And we have a lot of guys that have close ties and connections to him, him and his family. So like I said, our hearts go out to them and it's another tough day in the hockey world."

NHL.com independent correspondent Sean Farrell contributed to this report