The Toronto Maple Leafs knew they saw something they liked in the six foot defenceman from Kitchener, when they drafted Johnston in 1965. Johnston had spent the previous two seasons playing for the Johnstown Jets of the EHL and the Tulsa Oilers of the CHL, showing great defensive skill and a knack for finding the back of the net or an open teammate. He also showed up in a big way during both teams playoff runs. So when Johnston was traded to the American Hockey League's Springfield Indians for Bruce Gamble, it came as something of a shock. However, it would turn out to be a blessing as Johnston would continue his great defensive play for city of Springfield as the hockey club was purchased by the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL and renamed the Springfield Kings. The Kings recongized Johnston'