In Ahead Of The Play - A Washington Capitals NHL blog

Brent Johnson

'07-08 Stats                      Age (on October 1): 31                  Contract: UFA after '09

Brent Johnson 2007-08 Stats

'07-08 Season ReportBrent Johnson | Photo courtesy of Don Heupel, Associated Press

Johnson went from being a surprise opening day starter to watching the final quarter of the season from the press box in a matter of months. With Olie Kolzig struggling all season, Johnson was unable to play consistently when given the opportunity, though his numbers were better than Olie's. 

Had Johnson played well, the deal to bring in Cristobal Huet would likely never have occurred. Both Glen Hanlon and Bruce Boudreau were ready to give the goalie with the hot hand a bulk of the playing time, but neither Johnson nor Kolzig took control.

Once Huet came to town, Johnson suited up for only one game that Huet sat out with a back strain. Kolzig got the start that night, and Johnson was in back in a suit and tie the rest of the way after Huet's return to the lineup.

Intangibles

Johnson has proven himself to be an excellent backup goaltender who gets along with everyone in the dressing room including the starting goaltender. He handled Huet's arrival as well as can be expected, considering he knew his season was done from the outset. A Huet-Johnson tandem for one season would make a lot of people happy. Then, all bets are off as one of the youngsters will be poised to move into a backup role. But you can bet Johnson will be his usual supportive self every step of the way.

Future Fit

Johnson is under contract for the upcoming season, the only goalie with any significant NHL experience in the Capitals system who is. He is set to be back in the fold in '08-09 as a backup. If Huet goes unsigned by the Capitals and George McPhee is unable to bring in another netminder via trade, Johnson could even end up as a starter with one of the young guys (Semen Varlamov, Michal Neuvirth, or Daren Machesney) fighting for the backup role.

This is not the ideal scenario for the Capitals goaltending situation next season but it is possible. Whatever occurs, barring Johnson's addition to a package to acquire a goalie in a trade, we should see him dressed next season in a Capitals uniform.