When U.S.-born defenseman Jack Johnson, 21, was selected No. 3 overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 draft, scouts were impressed by his blend of passion, grit and skill. But Carolina traded the former University of Michigan player before he played a game for the 'Canes. He's now with the Los Angeles Kings and playing his first full NHL season. The Indiana native is viewed as one of the best young American players in the game. USA TODAY's Kevin Allen talked to him during All-Star weekend about his transition to the NHL:
Has the transition to full-time NHL player been more challenging than you thought it would be?
Johnson: My role on the team is different from what I'm used to. I'm more a defensive player, a shutdown guy. I think it's just part of the learning curve. But it's certainly different for me. Instead of playing against guys in my age group, I'm playing against San Jose with Joe Thornton or Anaheim with Ryan Getzlaf. So it's been a good experience. I'm out there with Rob Blake, so it can't get much better.
Q&A: Los Angeles Kings rookie Jack Johnson (USA Today) 
