The Los Angeles Kings today kept a quality young defenseman in the fold, re-signing restricted free agent Jack Johnson to a two-year contract. 

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, Johnson's new contract will be worth $1.425 million per season against the Kings salary cap, which is considerably lower than the $2 million-plus per season he was rumored seeking in internet speculation. 

The 22-year-old Johnson is considered a key part of the rebuilding Kings, but the strong rookie performance last season of Drew Doughty combined with GM Dean Lombardi's habit of dealing away players with he's had difficult contract negotiations (Mike Cammalleri, Patrick O'Sullivan) led to considerable internet trade speculation since the spring.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Johnson but it appears the club wants to retain him for at least the next two years and allow him to further his development on their roster.