The NHL expressed its condolences for the loss of former Pittsburgh Penguin, Adam Johnson, stating, “The National Hockey League family mourns the passing of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson. Our prayers and deepest condolences go to his family, friends, and teammates.”
Adam Johnson, a native of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, went undrafted after playing two seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. However, he signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Penguins on July 6, 2017. During that season, Johnson showcased his skills with 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 70 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.
In the 2018-19 season, Johnson contributed two assists in six games for the Penguins, and in the following season, he managed one goal and one assist in seven games for Pittsburgh. Notably, his solitary NHL goal was scored during a victorious 7-4 game against the Minnesota Wild on October 12, 2019.
Following his time with the Penguins, Johnson played for Malmo in the Swedish Hockey League before returning to North America to compete in the AHL for Ontario (Los Angeles Kings) and Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia Flyers). In the previous season, he joined Augsburger in Germany before ultimately joining Nottingham.
“The Elite Ice Hockey League is devastated to report the tragic passing of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson due to a freak accident during Saturday’s game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers,” stated the league. “The thoughts and condolences of everyone connected with the EIHL are with Adam’s family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly sad and challenging time. We kindly request that everyone respects the privacy of Adam’s family at this time.”
