It has been a tough past few years for Stars defenseman Stephen Johns as he has battled post-concussion symptoms which limited him to just 17 games over the past three seasons. He has attempted to come back a few times in that stretch but has decided to call it a career, announcing his retirement on social media.
The 29-year-old was a second-round pick (60th overall) back in 2010 to Chicago but didn’t get his first NHL opportunity until he was traded to Dallas back in the 2015 offseason. He made his NHL debut the following season and then became more of a regular in 2016-17, playing in 61 games that year and 75 the following campaign, becoming a reliable shutdown defender that played with plenty of physicality. That helped earn him a well-deserved three-year, $7.05MM extension in 2018 as the Stars appeared to lock up a key defensive presence on their back end.
However, a late-season concussion in 2018 led to post-concussion symptoms that cost him all of 2018-19 and most of 2019-20. He was able to come back late in the year, suiting up in 17 games while logging over 17 minutes a night. He even got into the first four games in the bubble before the symptoms returned and unfortunately, they kept him out for all of this season as well.
With his contract coming to an end, Johns has decided to hang up his skates, sort of. While he won’t be skating on the ice anymore, he will be doing a rollerblading tour across the country. PHR joins the hockey community in wishing Johns the best of luck in his next adventure.
Great guy and good defenseman. Glad he called it a career and didn’t risk any additional injury. Best of luck big man!
I became a big fan of Johns’ game one night in Rockford, IL. (I am not a Hawks or an IceHogs fan; was there on business.)
I was immediately struck by his physicality; he was a BIG boy. I also noticed that he seemed to have really rattled the other team. When he was on the ice their eyes were on him, and the chirping was comically excessive.
One play stands out: Johns was in his DZ as his team was breaking the other way. An opposing player tried to (needlessly) bang him into the boards. Even though his back was turned, Johns sensed this and sidestepped and the other banged – hard – into the boards. Johns then joined his mates in a mini “PP” as the moronic opponent lay on the ice. Smart player.
Best wishes for all the success and happiness you deserve, Stephen.
He can move back to Wampum, PA and…stare at the dirt…or something.
Real shame, but he made it further and made more than most kids.
Post concussion syndrome, in my personal experience, is worse than the concussion. Mine really plagued me for about 9 months before I was able to function in a somewhat regular capacity and I am not a professional athlete. I can understand why it would cause someone to retire. It is horrible.
Stephen – I sincerely hope you can get fully healed and lead a normal life, without the post-concussion garbage, that nobody needs. Good luck in all of your future endeavors!
Thank you for your time with the Stars.Best wishes in life. Get well
That kid would’ve had a really good career if not for the concussions. The kind of Dman every team wants and needs.