Luke Johnson is no longer part of the Blackhawks organization after signing a two-year, two-way contract with the Wild on Monday. The Blackhawks did not extend him a qualifying offer.
Johnson, who was selected in the fifth round in the 2013 NHL draft by Chicago, had one assist in 15 NHL games last season. The forward also had 31 points (18 goals, 13 assists) in 53 AHL games for the Rockford IceHogs during his third professional season after leaving the University of North Dakota after his junior season.
With Johnson’s departure, the Blackhawks only have defenseman Carl Dahlstrom, who was selected in the second round, left from their eight-player 2013 draft class. Anthony Louis, the sixth-round selection in 2013, was not extended a qualifying offer and is a free agent.
Johnson, a right-handed shot, will join fellow former Blackhawks forward Ryan Hartman in Minnesota. Hartman, a 2014 first-round pick by Chicago, signed a two-year contract worth $3.8 million. The West Dundee, Illinois native had 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 64 games with the Predators last season before he traded to the Flyers near the NHL trade deadline. He added six points (two goals, four assists) in 19 games for the Flyers.