Jack Johnson is one of the more interesting guys to talk to on the team. He’s young, and very good to deal with, but he’s also not shy about speaking his mind. He gave some interesting answers here, and I can’t help but get the sense that he feels a bit unshackled by the departure of Marc Crawford. Give it a read and see what you think…

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Question: The consensus seems to be that this is going to be another tough year for you guys. Do you use that as motivation, or do you not care what people say?

JOHNSON: “It depends on who it’s coming from. You know what I mean? If it’s just coming from an average Joe, I couldn’t care less what they think. It’s no secret, I guess, that the general hockey wisdom is that we’re not projected to light the world on fire. I think for anyone, that’s motivation. You go out every night with nothing to lose. If your team is expected to lose, that can be a pretty dangerous thing working for you.”

Question: It feels like this should be the year when things start going in the right direction. Do you feel the difference this year, as opposed to last year?

JOHNSON: “Yeah, absolutely. It’s just more comfortable, with the guys in the locker room and the coaching staff and management. Not just for me, a second-year guy, but I think for the guys who have been here for years. It’s just more of a comfortable environment, and that should pay off on the ice. That only makes sense. Last year, there was kind of an uneasiness off the ice and it carried onto the ice. There’s always a direct corrolation, for sure.”

Question: Especially maybe for some of the younger guys?

JOHNSON: “Yeah. Well, the older guys too. If you’re not comfortable with your surroundings, you’re not going to feel comfortable on the ice, with your teammates and coaches. That’s just life.”

Question: How do you think that manifested itself for you?

JOHNSON: “A lot. It effected me a lot, no question about that. I’m just trying to get going with a clean slate on this team.”

Question: Is it just a matter of your mind being clearer when you’re on the ice?

JOHNSON: “Yeah. Everything. I’m more friendly with the guys and it’s a better team, for sure.”

Question: It looks like it will be you and Matt Greene out there. How do you guys complement each other?

JOHNSON: “He’s a big, strong defenseman, an effective defenseman. He’s really effective physically. He made some great passes in those preseason games and helps out in the transition game. I think I’m going to have a lot of fun playing with him. I’ve had a lot of fun with him off the ice. He’s been a great roommate and I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of him this year.”