Former Wing Johnson Returns to Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings announced on Monday that they have signed Greg Johnson as an unrestricted free agent, agreeing to terms on a one-year deal.

Johnson has served as the captain of the Nashville Predators since 2002. He joined the Predators through the 1998 Expansion Draft.

Originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1989, Johnson broke into the NHL with the Red Wings during the 1993-94 season. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Tomas Sandstrom during Detroit’s 1997 Stanley Cup run and sent to the Chicago Blackhawks the following year.

In a 785-game NHL career, Johnson has totalled 145 goals and 224 assists for 369 points.

“We know he has character, he has speed,” said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. “We were looking for someone with speed.”

Johnson is the second Nashville free agent to sign with Detroit this summer, following Danny Markov, who came to the Red Wings in on July 26.