‘“I think I grew a lot defensively in that part of my game. I think that aspect carried over and was a big part of my success,” Johnson said, surrounded by reporters at one of the podiums set up in the arena. After helping the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede to their league’s playoff title this season, Johnson was ranked 36th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, so for him to be picked 31st surprised a few people.’