Raised in Jersey, college in Boston, played many times with a USA jersey on. Marries a girl from the US. His family is all American. Most of his friends are in the US. His identity is heavily tied to the USA. We’ve all known forever he would have a desire to go to a US team at some point.
In the end it was a choice between Columbus, NYI and NJ after Philly told them they were out. His wife’s preferred location seemed to be a heavy influence in the decision. Rosters and on ice future slights against NYI. Newark slights against NJ. 1/3 of the year they’ll be back in Philly a lot. 1/3 Johnny will be on the road for away games and when home location doesn’t seem super critical to him. Meredith and their child will be the ones spending the most time in Columbus so it’s a perfectly reasonable choice.
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