After graduating, on June 27, 2009, Johnson was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for a fifth-round pick (151st overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
He began his professional career in the 2009–10 season with the Rangers American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
When the Rangers waived Stephen Valiquette to Hartford on December 2, Johnson was recalled to serve as a backup goaltender to Henrik Lundqvist.
He made his NHL debut against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 30, 2009 when he replaced Lundqvist after the first period.
He allowed a breakaway goal to Simon Gagné on the first shot he faced, after playing for 23 seconds.
He finished the game with 17 saves on 20 shots over two periods.
He played his first career start against the Atlanta Thrashers and lost 2–1 in overtime.
After graduating, on June 27, 2009, Johnson was traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for a fifth-round pick (151st overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He began his professional career in the 2009–10 season with the Rangers American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. When the Rangers waived Stephen Valiquette to Hartford on December 2, Johnson was recalled to serve as a backup goaltender to Henrik Lundqvist. He made his NHL debut against the Philadelphia Flyers on December 30, 2009 when he replaced Lundqvist after the first period. He allowed a breakaway goal to Simon Gagné on the first shot he faced, after playing for 23 seconds. He finished the game with 17 saves on 20 shots over two periods. He played his first career start against the Atlanta Thrashers and lost 2–1 in overtime.
Chad Johnson (ice hockey)