Jack Johnson’s 2017-18 season ending in the press box as a healthy scratch for the Columbus Blue Jackets has been a focal point of the discussion surrounding his arrival to the Penguins via free-agency.



Pundits and fans alike have referenced Johnson’s benching as evidence of a player that has struggled more than he’s thrived. Johnson, for many, is another blue-chip prospect that has transformed into decidedly below average at the NHL level. Others, including Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford, believe there’s more than meets the eye to Johnson’s unceremonious exit from the Blue Jacket’s blueline.



When making his assessment of the Johnson signing, Rutherford was inevitably asked about Johnson’s move from third-pairing defenseman to healthy scratch. His response prompted a war of words between the management of both teams, starting with the now-infamous Rutherford quote regarding Johnson’s exit from the...