| abstract | - The Toronto Maple Leafs knew they saw something they liked in the six foot defenceman from Kitchener, when they drafted Johnston in 1965. Johnston had spent the previous two seasons playing for the Johnstown Jets of the EHL and the Tulsa Oilers of the CHL, showing great defensive skill and a knack for finding the back of the net or an open teammate. He also showed up in a big way during both teams playoff runs. So when Johnston was traded to the American Hockey League's Springfield Indians for Bruce Gamble, it came as something of a shock. However, it would turn out to be a blessing as Johnston would continue his great defensive play for city of Springfield as the hockey club was purchased by the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL and renamed the Springfield Kings. The Kings recongized Johnston's talent and decided he deserved a chance in the big leagues. In the 1967–68 season he made four appearances with the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL, picking up four penalty minutes and a -7 plus/minus rating. He wouldn't reach the NHL again for three more seasons. In 1969 he was named the most valuable player in Springfield and also led the AHL in penalty minutes in 1968 and 1969. With his increased value, Johnston was traded to the Detroit Red Wings by Los Angeles along with Dale Rolfe and Gary Croteau for Garry Monahan, Brian Gibbons and Matt Ravlich on February 20, 1970. He started off in the Central Hockey League with the Fort Worth Wings before quickly moving back up to the AHL with the Baltimore Clippers.
|
