Former GF boys hockey standout Luke Johnson signs with Winnipeg Jets

By Tom Mix
NDHSAA Media Specialist

WINNIPEG – Grand Forks native Luke Johnson has signed a contract with the Winnipeg Jets of the Nation Hockey League (NHL).

Johnson, a 2013 graduate of Grand Forks Central High School, agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Jets on Wednesday, July 28. The 5-foot-11, 175 pound center scored a goal in 14 games played for the Minnesota Wild during the 2020-21 season. His goal scored on April 7 was his first career NHL goal.

Johnson was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft. He played 15 games with Chicago during the 2018-19 season and signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild in July of 2019.

Johnson played at both Grand Forks Red River and Grand Forks Central before leaving to play junior hockey and later playing collegiately at the University of North Dakota. Johnson was a member of UND’s 2016 NCAA Division I National Championship team.  

As an eighth grader, Johnson scored nine goals and 17 assists for the Roughriders during the 2008-09 season that saw Red River win the NDHSAA boys hockey state championship.

Johnson would transfer to Central for his freshman season and finished the 2009-10 campaign with 17 goals and 29 assists helping the Knights to the 2010 NDHSAA boys hockey state championship.

Johnson finished his prep career with 43 goals and 71 assists (114 points). He would play two seasons with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL before playing at UND.  

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