Penguins buy out Johnson's contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed defenceman Jack Johnson on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout, the team announced. Johnson, 33, had three seasons remaining on a five-year, $16.25-million contract he signed on July 1, 2018. He will account for a $1.2-million cap hit in 2020-21 and 2021-22, a $1.9-million cap hit in 2022-23, and a $917,000 cap hit for the final three seasons, according to CapFriendly. Johnson, who will become an unrestricted free agent on Friday, recorded three goals and 11 points in 67 games this past season.