NEWARK, N.J. — Jim Rutherford is well aware that the five-year contract he gave Jack Johnson last summer was met with considerable scrutiny.



Many in the Penguins’ fan base have been critical of Johnson’s performance this season and Mike Sullivan’s usage of the veteran defenseman.



Rutherford has finally heard enough.



The general manager, in a conversation with The Athletic, vehemently defended Johnson on the morning after the Penguins defeated the Devils, 4-3, giving them four victories in their past five outings.



“He has never been given a chance here right from the start,” Rutherford said. “And I don’t understand it. It’s been extremely unfair to him. Extremely. He’s a good player.”



Johnson has a goal and 12 points in 59 games with the Penguins this season, his first in a five-year deal. His advanced numbers have been poor, which has been a trend during much of his...