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| Jack Johnson (photo: M. Zampelli) |
Rumors are just that…rumors. Although many hockey fans cling to much of what they read at this time of year as gospel truth – or at the very least, as scenarios having a high probability of happening – the fact remains more often than not, the talked about deals never see the light of day.
“Most of the time, rumors aren’t worth the paper they’re written on,” Kings defenseman Jack Johnson shared during a recent conversation.
“If something’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. It’s kind of out of your control. So, you try not to worry about it,” he said, in response to the rumors that always pop up at this time of year regarding him being dealt.
While he’s approaching things with his typical laid back attitude (something more akin to a life long California beach bum than a kid raised in Michigan), others in the locker room have admitted to the mood around the Kings becoming more tense of late.
Drew Doughty was one of those people in an article here on MayorsManor a few days ago (link).
Yet, true to form, Johnson downplayed the idea when asked for a reaction to Doughty’s assessment – “I haven’t noticed anything like that.”
Certainly, one of the things that helps Johnson keep his head clear is his inner circle.
“People that are real close to me don’t bother telling me about rumors,” he explained. “Truthfully, my friends and family, we don’t really talk about hockey. We talk about whatever’s going on in life in general. When I get away from the rink, I just like hanging out with them and enjoying whatever we’re doing. We usually don’t talk about what’s going on here.”
Over the last five years in LA he’s been paired with a variety of different guys. This year, it’s been mainly Matt Greene or Willie Mitchell. And Johnson has alternated from the left to ride side, depending on who he’s partnered with.
As arguably one of the Kings’ best defensemen this season, does he have a preference for his partner or side – has any particular situation helped bring out the best in his game?
“Whoever they tell me to play with, I’ll play with.”
Like water rolling down a smooth piece of glass, Johnson continues to not let it all flow. Nothing distracts from his mission – to be the absolute best hockey player he can be. It consumes him, former coach Terry Murray once said.
So, what about next week’s trade deadline then?
“Actually, I haven’t even really thought about it.”
He could be on the move to another team. Rumors, I know.
“As we get closer, I’m sure guys will start thinking about it more,” Johnson said. “(For now), I’m just playing hockey.”
NOTE: several trade related articles are linked below for your reference…fortunately, they aren’t printed on paper, so there’s at least a little bit of sense to them
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