Chad Johnson (ice hockey)

College

Johnson played college ice hockey for the University of Alaska Fairbanks (Nanooks). He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins 125th overall in the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2006 Entry Draft. During his senior year, he was the Central Collegiate Hockey Association Player of the Year, as well as a Hobey Baker Award finalist.

New York Rangers

After graduating, on June 27, 2009, Johnson was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for a fifth-round pick (151st overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He began his professional career in the 2009–10 season with the Rangers American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. When the Rangers waived Stephen Valiquette to Hartford on December 2, Johnson was recalled to serve as a backup goaltender to Henrik Lundqvist. He made his NHL debut against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 30, 2009 when he replaced Lundqvist after the first period. He allowed a breakaway goal to Simon Gagné on the first shot he faced, after playing for 23 seconds. He finished the game with 17 saves on 20 shots over two periods. He played his first career start against the Atlanta Thrashers and lost 2–1 in overtime.

Phoenix Coyotes

After spending three years with the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate club Hartford Wolf Pack/Connecticut Whale, and playing in six NHL games, Johnson became an unrestricted free agent. He signed with the Phoenix Coyotes for a one-year, two-way contract and assigned to the AHL's Portland Pirates.

At the beginning of the lock-out shortened 2012–13 season, starting goaltender Mike Smith suffered a lower body injury. Johnson was called up to provide backup to Jason LaBarbera. After spending two games as a backup, on January 28, 2013, Johnson was called on to start in goal against the Nashville Predators. In his first NHL start since January 31, 2010, seventh overall, he earned first star accolades by stopping all 21 shots he faced on his way to his first NHL career shutout.

Boston Bruins

On July 5, 2013, Johnson was signed as a free agent to a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins. Johnson was the team's backup goaltender, behind Tuukka Rask, marking his first full-time NHL job.

New York Islanders

On July 1, 2014, Johnson was signed as a free agent to a two-year, $2.6 million contract with the New York Islanders. During his time with the club, Johnson posted an (8-8-1) record.

Buffalo Sabres

On March 2, 2015, he was traded along with a draft pick to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Michal Neuvirth., but he did not play for the Sabres until the 2015–16 season.

On December 17, 2015 Johnson recorded a 44-save shutout, breaking the Sabres franchise record for most saves in a regular season shutout, which had been held by Ryan Miller.

Calgary Flames

As a free agent from the Sabres, on July 1, 2016, Johnson joined his sixth NHL club in signing a one-year contract with the Calgary Flames. Johnson began the 2016–17 season, initially serving Brian Elliott as the backup, before he was elevated to shared starts through the midpoint of the year. Johnson would later return to his backup status in completing the season with 18 wins in 36 games.

On June 17, 2017, Johnson was as an impending free agent was traded back to former club, the Arizona Coyotes, in the Flames acquisition of Mike Smith. Included in the trade largely for 2017 NHL Expansion Draft considerations, he was dealt alongside prospect Brandon Hickey and a conditional 3rd round pick.

Return to Buffalo

Johnson went to market as a free agent from the Coyotes, and promptly signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract for a second stint with the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2017.