I don't know. I think JR should be replaced and I think his magic is gone, but I don't really see anything wrong with trying to salvage a depreciating asset's value any way possible.
I don't think it is going to work in Johnson's case, but whatever.
If this team isn't going to spend to the cap (debatable), if they are not going to be winning anything anytime soon, then we don't have to really do anything with Johnson. Aside from his cap hit and term, he would make a solid No. 7 defenseman.
So, promote Joseph as the No. 3 left defenseman and use Johnson when injuries hit. You can play Joseph with Ruhwedel if you can't find a better option. OR, we could even play Joseph with Letang if we are making big changes to the defense.
My main point is, I would not waste precious future assets just to get rid of Johnson. That is partly the reason why we are in dire straits from an organizational standpoint right now.
We have many issues with this team right now. Sure, Jack Johnson is one of them. But if he does not play all the time, you are already solving some of the problems.
I certainly prefer using Johnson as a No. 7 D over the prospect of spending money to find this ideal mystical partner for a third-pairing veteran defenseman.
What we need for that third-pairing D (the Schultz roster spot) is someone who could take over the reigns on the first PP unit.
Whether that means playing with Jack Johnson, Pierre-Olivier Joseph or Scooby-Doo. It matters little.
