Ryan Johnson: Sabres Grades Countdown
Ryan Johnson’s NHL debut season places him at number 20 in the Sabres Grades countdown. The rookie defenseman quickly earned his first NHL promotion within a month, displaying the calm and poise needed to secure a spot in the blueline rotation. He ended his season back in Rochester but aims for a full-time role with the Sabres next season.
The Grading System
If you missed the grading system introduction, each Buffalo player received letter grades based on game performance, calculated through statistical analysis considering production, quality and volume of offense and defense, powerplay and penalty kill performance, penalties drawn and taken, role, and minutes played. Players who missed significant ice time due to injury were not penalized for fewer minutes played, ensuring an accurate assessment of performance when available.
Each player’s performance was graded over all 82 games of the season, providing a comprehensive understanding of their progression.
Grading Scale
A+: 92%-100%
A: 85%-92%
A-: 77%-85%
B+: 69%-77%
B: 62%-69%
B-: 54%-62%
C+: 46%-54%
C: 38%-46%
C-: 31%-38%
D+: 23%-31%
D: 15%-23%
D-: 8%-15%
F: 0%-8%
Ryan Johnson’s Season Performance
Season Grade: D+
Average: C-
Consistency: A
Boom %: F [0%]
-Bust %: D- [21.05%]
Johnson primarily played a bottom-pairing, even-strength-only role. Despite his rookie status, he was surprisingly consistent, though his grades averaged slightly below par. Johnson’s mobility, puck movement, and offensive awareness hint at future potential, though his peak performance this season was a 66.36% score. His best game featured a stellar defensive performance and high-quality offense in a 3-1 road win against Boston.
Johnson’s production dipped, leading to a return to the AHL for further development. Jacob Bryson reclaimed his spot, and the addition of Bowen Byram pushed Johnson down the depth chart.
Grade Distribution
Johnson’s game grades show a shift towards lower performance, with over 60% of his games below average. However, positive games suggest potential growth. His play declined as the Sabres climbed the standings, indicating the team’s reliance on top-tier players rather than Johnson’s contributions.
Player Comparisons
Comparing Johnson to other players reveals his potential and areas for growth. Although not as offensively potent as Daniil Miromanov, comparisons with Jake Bean, Mario Ferraro, and Marc Staal highlight Johnson’s need to improve physicality and shot-blocking. Extended comparisons to Esa Lindell, Nick Jensen, Ivan Provorov, Samuel Girard, and Jonas Brodin illustrate the high-caliber potential Johnson could reach, which would greatly benefit the Sabres’ defense.
2024-2025 Early Outlook
Johnson faces a tough climb up the depth chart with players like Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Bowen Byram, Mattias Samuelsson, and Jacob Bryson ahead of him. His quickest path to a larger role might involve showing versatility on the right side, where the Sabres have fewer options. Johnson had some success on the right side last season, particularly in pairings with Samuelsson and Power, hinting at a promising future.
Previous Sabres Season Grades
1. Casey Mittelstadt
2. Kyle Okposo
3. Erik Johnson
4. Jacob Bryson
5. Tyson Jost
6. Victor Olofsson
7. Eric Robinson
8. Ryan Johnson
9. TBD