Brent Johnson Headed to Steeltown

Brent Johnson signed a 1-year contract with the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins today. This comes after talks with the Caps stalled; or did they even start? The latter is the most likely. Injuries hampered Johnson for most of the second half of the '08-'09 season. And thus the combination of a future goal tending stud and a 30+ game winner a season ago practically guaranteed Johnson a new sweater next year.

There were times last season when Johnson arguably was the number one goaltender for the Caps. With the inconsistency of Jose Theodore, Johnson provided us fans with a sense of confidence knowing that if Theo faltered, a solid back up was ready to man the pipes. And it is because of this that I am disappointed to see Johnson go. How can I blame him though? The future has suddenly become the present as Semyon Varlamov appears ready (or close to ready) to put this team on his shoulders. The rise of Varlamov during last year's playoffs proved to be a blessing in disguise. If not for Johnson's injuries we probably wouldn't be talking about Varlamov for another year or two. The trade winds seemed ready to blow with regard to Theodore, whose hefty contract and inconsistent play left doubts as to whether he would return. What team wants to add $4.5 million to their books? Not many. So with two goalies in place, Johnson was the odd man out. He gave 110% on the ice every time he got a chance. The players loved him. I am sure I can speak for the whole Caps organization and say that I am very sad to see him go. But of all teams, the Penguins......?!?!? I'll leave that alone and simply wish him the best.