Lucas Johansen is a big step closer to his pro hockey dream.
The Kelowna Rockets defenceman Lucas Johansen this week signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Washington Capitals.
Johansen, 19, currently has 6 goals and 30 assists for 36 points in 60 games this season with the Rockets. He has also posted a +16 +/- rating.
Johansen ranks second among Rockets defencemen in points, assists and goals.
Last season, Johansen registered 49 points (10 goals, 39 assists) in 69 games with Kelowna and led the team’s blueliners in points, goals and assists as well as ranked third among WHL defensemen in power-play assists (25).
The 6’2”, 179 lb. defenceman was a teammate of another Capitals prospect in Madison Bowey. In 2014-15 the two helped the Rockets win the WHL championship.
Johansen has earned 90 points (16 goals, 74 assists) in 190 career WHL games with the Rockets.
He was drafted by the Capitals in the first round, 28th overall, in the 2016 NHL Draft.
Johansen’s older brother Ryan Johansen was also drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft, fourth overall, to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010.
Ryan is a centre that currently plays for the Nashville Predators where he’s accumulated 49 points (10 goals, 39 assists) thus far this year.