Blues Sign Forward Ryan Johnson and Defenseman Matt Walker

[Thrillhouse]

ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues Sr. V.P. & General Manager Larry Pleau announced today the team has signed forward Ryan Johnson and defenseman Matt Walker.

Johnson, 30, appeared in 65 games with the Blues this past season, recording nine points (three goals, six assists) along with 33 penalty minutes.

“Ryan has evolved into one of our better penalty killers with his puck pursuit and his blocking of shots,” said Blues head coach Mike Kitchen. “We expect him to be one of our leaders in the penalty killing area next season.”

The 6-1, 201-pound center appeared in his 400th NHL game and his 100th game as a Blue last season. The Thunder Bay, Ontario native has skated in 409 career NHL games, recording 73 points (22 goals, 51 assists) along with 149 penalty minutes.

Walker, 26, skated in 54 games this past season with the Blues, recording a pair of assists along with 79 penalty minutes.

“Matt enjoyed his best year in pro hockey since he was able to stay injury free for most of the season,” said Kitchen. “He was able to gain confidence as a player and we are looking for him to have a greater impact on the ice next season.”

The 6-3, 236-pound blueliner set career highs in games played, points and penalty minutes this past season with St. Louis. He has appeared in 84 career NHL games, registering four assists along with 142 career penalty minutes. The Beaverlodge, Alberta native was originally St. Louis’ third round choice, 83rd overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.