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Penguins Complete Trade With Sabres To Acquire Former First-Round Pick

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a strategic roster move Monday, acquiring left defenseman Ryan Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defensemen Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch. Johnson, a 25-year-old former first-round pick (31st overall in 2021), has limited NHL experience—just six games over the past two seasons—and has spent most of his career in the AHL with Rochester, where he recorded five goals and 19 points last season.

The trade clears two NHL contract slots for Pittsburgh, which now has 47 of 50 spots filled, and also addresses a minor-league defensive logjam by freeing up roster space in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Meanwhile, the Penguins’ injury situation on defense remains fluid, as Trevor van Riemsdyk was placed on injured reserve but could return later in their upcoming road trip.

Johnson’s immediate future with Pittsburgh remains unclear, as he has not yet been added to the NHL active roster.

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