Penguins acquire defenseman Ryan Johnson from Sabres

Ryan Johnson. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Penguins acquire defenseman Ryan Johnson, send Caleb Jones, Daniel Laatsch to Sabres

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 12, 2026 7:03 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that have acquired defenseman Ryan Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch.

Johnson was a first-round pick in 2019 and recorded five goals, 14 assists and 19 points across 56 regular-season games playing for the AHL Rochester Americans last season. Johnson will help bolster the Penguins' defensive depth, supplying them them with a cost-controlled left-side defenseman who will be a reliable addition for a bottom-pairing.

He also has 47 games of NHL experience under his belt with his rookie campaign with Buffalo. He profiles as a high-upside, low-risk addition who has the potential to provide solid penalty-killing. He is also locked into a cost-effective contract that runs through the 2027-28 season, providing Pittsburgh with dependable cap relief.

For the Sabres, acquiring both Jones and Laatsch provides the team with one NHL-ready player and a developing defensive-first prospect amid an upper-body injury to captain Rasmus Dahlin.

The Penguins have acquired defenseman Ryan Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 12, 2026

Upside of Caleb Jones, Daniel Laatsch for the Sabres

With Dahlin sidelined, Jones offers Buffalo an experienced defenseman on the left side. As an NHL journeyman, Jones has played in 255 games in the NHL with Edmonton, Chicago, Colorado, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh.

As a veteran buffer, Jones can step right into a stay-at-home defensive role and was off to a solid start in the AHL this season with three assists and a +3 rating across four games. While Jones provides immediate insurance for the Sabres, Laatsch serves to offer upside through his robust frame.

At 6-foot-5 and 193 pounds, his size will come in handy with blocking shots and clearing the crease. The 24-year-old will be assigned to the Rochester Americans and will work on fine-tuning parts of his game such as his footwork. But he could be a worthwhile depth option down the stretch for the Sabres if a major injury were to occur.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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