The Minnesota Wild have claimed forward Nick Johnson off waivers from the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to Bob McKenzie. The 25-year-old, whom the Penguins selected No. 67 overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, appeared in just 10 games over two seasons at the NHL level. As Seth Rorabaugh points out, former Penguins assistant Mike Yeo serves as the Wild's head coach, so Johnson will have the opportunity to with a familiar face in his new surroundings.
At Pensburgh, Hooks Orpik writes the move should benefit Johnson, as Minnesota "can use big forwards." But if the Wild isn't impressed with Johnson and decides to waive him, the Penguins can re-claim him "and throw him immediately in Wilkes-Barre if they so choose."
Johnson appeared in 169 games for the Wilkes-Barre Penguins of the American Hockey League from 2007 to 2011, tallying 114 points. With the NHL's Penguins, Johnson recorded two goals and three assists over 10 games.