Johnson signs entry-level contract with Sabres, will report to Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Ryan Johnson to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Saturday morning. He will report to the Rochester Americans.

The Sabres selected Johnson during the first round (31st overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. His senior season at the University of Minnesota ended with an overtime loss to Quinnipiac in the national championship game in April.

Johnson, 21, had 18 points (4+14) in 40 games as a senior. His plus-22 rating was a career best and ranked 13th among NCAA defensemen.

Johnson's resume includes All-Big Ten honorable mention selections (including this season), three straight selections to the Academic All-Big Ten Team, and a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 World Junior Championship.

The left-shot defenseman is a native of Irvine, California. His father, Craig, was an NHL forward who played 557 games and currently works as an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks.

The Amerks are tied 1-1 with the Hershey Bears in the AHL's Eastern Conference Finals. The best-of-seven series will shift back to Rochester tonight for Game 3. Faceoff is set for 7:05 p.m.

The Amerks, in conjunction with MSG Networks, announced Friday that MSG will televise all remaining games of the series.

Coverage will be available to everyone in the MSG Networks regional footprint, including all of New York State.

Additionally, both games will also be available to authenticated subscribers of participating providers on "MSG GO," MSG Networks' live streaming and video on demand platform. Subscribers with a supported smartphone or tablet can download the free "MSG GO" app by visiting the App Store or the Google Play store. Viewers can also access the game by visiting MSGGo.com.

The games are also accessible on AHLTV or on The Fan Rochester,