Report: Penguins expected to pursue pending free agent Jack Johnson

Expect the Pittsburgh Penguins to be interested in Jack Johnson's services if he reaches free agency, sources told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The 31-year-old defenseman has been with the Columbus Blue Jackets since February 2012, but he's now less than two weeks away from unrestricted free agency. His current seven-year pact, signed with the Los Angeles Kings in 2011 prior to being traded to the Blue Jackets, carries a cap hit just shy of $4.4 million.

As for the Penguins, there are two obvious ties to Johnson. The first is Sidney Crosby after the two spent one season together as high school teammates in 2002-03. There's also Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford, who previously headed up the Carolina Hurricanes when they selected Johnson with the third overall pick in 2005.

It's also likely that Johnson is ready to move on from the Blue Jackets. He requested a trade in January, citing his reduced role with Columbus and a desire to better position himself ahead of free agency.

In 77 appearances with the Blue Jackets during the 2017-18 season, Johnson collected three goals and eight assists, while averaging 19:33 in ice time. He was scratched for all six of Columbus' playoff games.