You might not know much about Lucas Johansen. He might've spent some games with the Washington Capitals and even got some playing time during the postseason. However, the Henderson Silver Knights certainly know who he is.
That's why they re-signed him to a one-year deal. The former Capitals player will stick around after scoring 11 assists in 38 games last season. The season prior, he scored two goals and 10 assists in 22 games with the Hershey Bears. On top of that, he added an assist with the Capitals (six games) in 2023-24.
✍️ The Silver Knights have re-signed defenseman Lucas Johansen to a one-year AHL contract for the 2025-26 season! https://t.co/U3HL8GfrSX
— Henderson Silver Knights (@HSKnights) July 22, 2025
While Johansen spent his career barely getting to the NHL level, he has made his mark as a tenured AHL player. He's good at facilitating players as an offensive-minded defenseman, helping on the attack. He can also score when called upon, bolstering a team's offense.
Add a solid shot and an active stick to his arsenal and you have a player who can become a great contributor for the Silver Knights. Henderson will also get a solid skater back, helping them with their attack.
In 295 AHL games, he scored 20 goals, 103 points, 110 penalty minutes, and a +10 rating. The Vancouver native also won back-to-back Calder Cup titles with the Bears in 2023 and 2024. Not bad for someone who was drafted 28th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft (at least on the AHL level). For the NHL level, it's disappointing.
He must add more bulk to his frame and become more physical. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 181 lbs. means you're getting pushed around on the ice a lot. That will help him develop his defensive-zone game and make him a legitimate threat. It'll also help him carry a more defined game, establishing himself as a solid defensive player.
Overall, this is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Silver Knights. They need players who can move the puck well, particularly at the wing and on defense. That's where Johansen comes in, delivering nice puck-moving skills that help the attack. While he won't crack the NHL level soon, having the Vancouver native around helps the minor league clubs immensely.