The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. It was a combination of staff writers and over 200 readers that ranked Buffalo Sabres players under the age of 25 as of August 1, 2023. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player. Staff votes counted equally with reader votes.
Ryan Johnson
Drafted: 2019, 1st round, 31st pick (31st Overall)
Position: Defense | Shoots Left
Born: July 24, 2001 | 22 years old
2022-2023 Stats: 40 GP | 4 G | 14 A (University of Minnesota Gophers)
2022 T25U25 Ranking: 18
Coming in at #17 is American-born, highly anticipated defenseman prospect Ryan Johnson. Hockey seems to be in Johnson’s blood as his father, Craig, also played professionally and now coaches in the family’s home state with the Anaheim Ducks.
After some uncertainty the last few years, Johnson signed an entry-level deal with the Sabres back in May and fans can now breathe a sigh of relief. After playing in both the United States Hockey League (USHL) in South Dakota and then four years at the University of Minnesota, he is now reporting to the Rochester Americans – a decision he did not take lightly after graduation.
This summer was also Johnson’s third development camp, but first one after signing his entry-level deal with the Sabres. Newly appointed Amerks assistant coach and former Sabre Nathan Paetsch has grown close with the defenseman throughout his development and now as a player on the team. Paetsch has commented on Johnson’s impressive work ethic as well as his “excellent” skating intelligence.
Another notable accomplishment by the defenseman so far is his gold medal from the 2021 World Junior Championship when USA defeated Devon Levi and team Canada. Johnson tallied one goal and three assists in addition to racking up six penalty minutes in total throughout the championship.
It will be fun to see how Johnson does with Rochester this season and even more fun if he gets a few looks in a Sabres jersey in the near future.