Ross Johnston Bio
Ross Johnston is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a forward for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 232 pounds, Johnston has established himself as a physical presence in professional hockey. He previously played for the New York Islanders from 2015 to 2023 before joining the Anaheim Ducks. Johnston went undrafted during his junior career but earned a contract with the New York Islanders as a free agent in 2015.
Early Life and Background
Ross Johnston was born on February 18, 1994, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. He grew up on his family's beef farm in Suffolk, Prince Edward Island, which provided him with a rural upbringing far removed from the professional hockey arena. Johnston has one older brother named Will and a sister named Katherine. His upbringing on the family farm contributed to his development of a strong work ethic and resilience that would later serve him well in his hockey career.
Johnston began his junior hockey career in the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) with the Summerside Western Capitals. His performance there earned him an opportunity to advance to major junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he played for three different teams including the Moncton Wildcats, Victoriaville Tigres, and Charlottetown Islanders. His time with the Charlottetown Islanders was particularly significant as it kept him close to his Prince Edward Island roots.
Path to Professional Hockey
Despite showing promise during his junior career, Johnston went undrafted by all 30 NHL teams during his eligibility period. Rather than giving up on his NHL dreams, he attended the New York Islanders training camp in 2014 as a free agent invitee. His career trajectory took a dramatic turn when he suffered a broken jaw during a fight at training camp, an injury that forced him to miss two months of his final junior season with the Charlottetown Islanders.
The injury and recovery period did not diminish Johnston's determination. His toughness and competitive spirit caught the attention of the Islanders organization, and on March 31, 2015, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the team. This contract marked the beginning of his professional hockey journey and demonstrated that perseverance could overcome the setback of going undrafted.
Ross Johnston Career
Early Professional Career (2015–2017)
Following the signing of his entry-level contract, Johnston began his professional career during the 2015-16 season. He split his time between the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, and the Missouri Mavericks of the ECHL. This developmental period allowed him to adjust to the speed and physicality of professional hockey while refining his skills against more experienced players.
Johnston's dedication paid off when he received his first NHL recall. He made his NHL debut on April 10, 2016, marking the realization of his childhood dream. The 2016-17 season saw him return to the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he continued to develop his game and earn consideration for future NHL opportunities.
New York Islanders Breakthrough (2017–2023)
The 2017-18 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Johnston. On January 19, 2018, he was recalled from the AHL to replace the injured Casey Cizikas on the Islanders roster. This recall marked his sustained presence in the NHL. Just two days later, on January 21, 2018, Johnston recorded his first NHL point, delivering an assist on a goal by Brock Nelson during the third period of a 7-3 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Johnston continued to make his presence felt, and on January 25, 2018, he scored his first NHL goal. The historic tally came against the Vegas Golden Knights and helped the Islanders secure a 2-1 victory. By the end of the 2017-18 season, Johnston had appeared in 24 games with the Islanders, recording three goals and six points while establishing himself as a physical player capable of contributing offensively.
His performance earned him a four-year contract extension on July 9, 2018. The Islanders continued to show confidence in Johnston, and on October 26, 2021, he signed another four-year contract extension, demonstrating the organization's belief in his long-term value to the team.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2023–Present)
After eight seasons with the New York Islanders organization, Johnston's career took a new direction during the 2023-24 season. He made the Islanders' opening roster on October 9, 2023, but was placed on waivers the following day. The Anaheim Ducks claimed him off waivers on October 10, 2023, acquiring the experienced forward for their roster.
Johnston made his debut with the Anaheim Ducks on opening night, October 14, 2023, against the Vegas Golden Knights. The move to Anaheim represented a fresh start and new opportunity for Johnston to continue his NHL career with a different organization. His physical style of play brought experience and toughness to a young Ducks roster looking to establish an identity in the competitive Pacific Division.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ross Johnston is known for his physical style of play and imposing frame at 6 feet 5 inches and 232 pounds. His size makes him an effective presence along the boards and in front of the net, where he can create scoring opportunities while also protecting teammates. Johnston shoots left-handed, which complements his positioning game. Despite his reputation as a physical player, he has demonstrated the ability to contribute offensively when called upon, as evidenced by his first NHL goal and point achievements.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several milestones have defined Johnston's career trajectory. His journey from undrafted free agent to NHL regular represents a notable achievement in professional hockey. The dramatic fight-induced injury at Islanders training camp in 2014 could have derailed his career, but his recovery and subsequent contract signing demonstrated remarkable resilience. His first NHL goal against the Vegas Golden Knights on January 25, 2018, stands as a career highlight, as does his first career point just days earlier against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Ross Johnston Career Statistics
Throughout his NHL career with both the New York Islanders and Anaheim Ducks, Johnston has established himself as a physical forward capable of playing a depth role while occasionally contributing offensively. His ability to fight and provide energy while chipping in with occasional goals and assists has made him a valuable roster piece throughout his career.
Professional Milestones
Johnston's professional milestones include his NHL debut on April 10, 2016, his first point on January 21, 2018, and his first goal on January 25, 2018. He has appeared in multiple NHL seasons across two franchises and has accumulated several seasons of professional experience in both the NHL and AHL. His career has been characterized by steady progression from undrafted free agent to reliable professional player.
Ross Johnston Family
Family Background and Upbringing
Ross Johnston was raised on his family's beef farm in Suffolk, Prince Edward Island. His upbringing in the farming community of Prince Edward Island provided a strong foundation of work ethic and discipline that translated into his hockey career. Being from a small province known more for potato farming than hockey production, Johnston's path to the NHL represents an accomplishment that has inspired other young players from Atlantic Canada.
Personal Life
Johnston comes from a close-knit family with two siblings. He has one older brother, Will, and a sister named Katherine. While maintaining a private personal life, he has credited his family's support as instrumental in his hockey journey. His Instagram account (@rossjohnston9) provides fans with glimpses into his life beyond hockey, though details about his current relationships remain private.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season represents an important campaign for Ross Johnston as he continues his tenure with the Anaheim Ducks. Entering his second full season with the organization, Johnston brings consistency and veteran presence to a relatively young Ducks roster. His physical style of play provides the team with an element of toughness that complements their developing core of skilled players.
Johnston's role with the Ducks continues to evolve as he contributes in various situations while maintaining his identity as a physical presence. The Ducks organization values his experience from his years with the New York Islanders, and his leadership by example helps establish team culture. As the season progresses, Johnston looks to build upon his career totals while helping the Ducks compete in the competitive Western Conference.