Blackhawks Most Underrated Player Profile: Aaron Johnson

Quietly hidden behind the marquee additions of defensiveman Brian Campbell and goaltender Cristobal Huet was the signing in July of 25 year-old defender Aaron Johnson.

While the contributions of the other two new Hawks have been visibly referenced in the media, Johnson might have made himself as important on the roster as any of the three.

Johnson, who was drafted in the third round by Columbus in 2001, has started to show an offensive spark from a defensive group that has a number of headline names. Obviously, Campbell and 2007-08 All Star Duncan Keith are both among the best in the NHL, while Brent Seabrook is certainly no slouch.

But it's Johnson that has started to contribute all over the ice.

Quick pop quiz: Who leads the Blackhawks +/- on November 11? Answer: Aaron Johnson, at +11. Rookie Kris Versteeg is second at +8.

Most impressive about Johnson's season, perhaps, is that he has yet to finish a game in the negative; in fact, his +/- has only been break even zero in three of his 11 games this year.

Johnson is also averaging over fifteen minutes of ice time per game since being recalled on October 14.  Only Campbell, Keith, Seabrook and recently promoted Cam Barker average more ice time for Hawks defenders, with Barker having played in just five games since being recalled.

With Brent Sopel, Jordan Hendry, and Matt Walker struggling to show consistency for coach Joel Quenneville, Johnson as thrived under the new leadership.

At six feet, two inches and over 210 pounds, Johnson has provided a physical presence without costing the Hawks many power plays as well; while being credited with 10 hits thus far this season, Johnson has served only four minutes in the penalty box.

So while there are a lot of young faces and big names showing their commitment to the Indian this season, perhaps one contributor we shouldn't over look is Aaron Johnson.