10/18: Logan blog: RW Aaron Johnson

New York Islander Fan Central | 10/18/2007 03:56:00 PM | | | | |
Newsday: Greg Logan updated his Islanders blog and tells us Bootland is a scratch for tonight while Aaron Johnson will make his Islander debut as a right wing.

“He’s played forward in the past in Columbus on the fourth line,” Nolan said of the 24-year-old Johnson. “We can’t let him sit too long. Every practice, he works his tail off; he’s always in the gym; he’s one of the first guys at practice, and he’s enthusiastic. What we try to instill in this team is that the people that work will get an opportunity, so, tonight, he’s going to get his opportunity. We’ll have an energetic fourth line that will cause some havoc and crash the net.”

“No, I played forward a little bit when I was growing up, but not in juniors. I waited until the NHL to play forward. I played third and fourth-line in Columbus. Obviously, it’s not what I’m used to, but at least I’m going to get into a game situation.”

“It’s awesome,” Johnson said. “This is what I wanted in training camp is to make this team. It’s been tough to be patient, but it’s slowly coming together. I have to be patient and wait for my turn. I’m still young. He’s given me an opportunity to play, and I’ve got to jump on it.”


NYI Fan Central Comments:
A little surprising considering Bootland set up the only goal by a forward last time Islanders played Washington but they have to give him some minutes somewhere and if a defender does struggle or someone is injured on the backline Johnson can slid back to his natural position.

I'm not sure what the club intends to do with Bergeron.