Marc Johnstone Bio
Marc Johnstone (born June 19, 1996) is an American professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL). A reliable depth forward with a steady two-way game, Johnstone has built his career through perseverance in the minor professional ranks before reaching the National Hockey League (NHL). He is recognized for his work ethic, durability, and willingness to play wherever a team needs him.
Standing 183 centimeters tall and weighing 82 kilograms, Johnstone has logged time in the ECHL, AHL, and NHL since turning professional in 2021. His journey from a New Jersey youth rink to the NHL has made him a respected teammate across multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
Marc Johnstone was born on June 19, 1996, in Cranford, New Jersey, to parents Thomas and Robin. He grew up in a supportive family environment in the small Union County community of Cranford, where hockey quickly became a central part of his childhood. From an early age, his parents encouraged his interest in the sport, and the local hockey scene provided him with his earliest opportunities to develop.
Johnstone began playing organized hockey at age five, joining the Cranford Hockey Club for his first years on the ice. He soon moved on to higher-level competition, suiting up for AAA programs with the New Jersey Rockets and the North Jersey Avalanche organizations. These developmental squads helped him sharpen his skills against some of the top youth talent in the state and region.
During his teenage years, Johnstone continued his development with youth and high school hockey at St. Joseph High School in New Jersey. Balancing academics and athletics, he used his high school years to prepare for the next step in his playing career, ultimately earning the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Hockey
Following his high school career, Johnstone took his game to Sacred Heart University, where he played four seasons of collegiate hockey in the NCAA. His time at Sacred Heart allowed him to mature as a player and adjust to the speed and physical demands of higher-level competition, laying the foundation for a professional career.
On March 25, 2021, Johnstone signed a contract with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL, officially beginning his professional career. He appeared in five games with the Stingrays to close out that season, gaining valuable experience in the professional ranks.
On September 2, 2021, the Newfoundland Growlers of the ECHL signed Johnstone to a standard one-year contract. During his time with the Growlers, he also appeared in four games with their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, offering him his first taste of play at the next level.
Marc Johnstone Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
Johnstone’s first full professional season came in 2021-2022 split between the Newfoundland Growlers and the Toronto Marlies. His brief stint with the Marlies introduced him to the pace of the AHL and gave him a clear target to aim for as he continued to develop his game.
On June 19, 2022, the Toronto Marlies signed Johnstone to a standard one-year contract, bringing him back to the organization full time. He responded with a durable campaign, playing in 69 of 72 possible regular-season games while also appearing in all seven of the Marlies’ postseason contests, establishing himself as a reliable everyday contributor.
Toronto Marlies Breakthrough (2021-2023)
Across his stints with the Marlies organization, Johnstone steadily earned the trust of his coaching staff through his responsible two-way play and willingness to take on any role. His ability to remain healthy and produce consistent performances helped him stand out among a deep forward group.
His most significant leap came during the 2022-2023 season, when he became a regular fixture in the Marlies lineup. By the end of that campaign, he had proven he could handle the demands of a full AHL schedule, including a deep postseason run, positioning himself for an opportunity at the highest level.
Pittsburgh Penguins Era (2023-2025)
On July 2, 2023, the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL signed Johnstone to a two-year entry-level contract, recognizing his development with the Marlies. The move represented a major milestone, validating the long road he had taken through junior, collegiate, and minor professional hockey.
On December 8, 2023, Johnstone made his NHL debut with the Penguins, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He spent two seasons within the Penguins organization, gaining experience at the top level and learning what it takes to compete against the best players in the world.
After two seasons in the Pittsburgh system, Johnstone departed as a free agent. On July 7, 2025, he returned to the Toronto Marlies on a two-year AHL contract, bringing his NHL experience back to the organization where his professional growth had taken shape.
Driving Style and Strengths
Johnstone is recognized for his responsible two-way game, strong work ethic, and durability over long schedules. His ability to play a reliable defensive role while still contributing offensively makes him a valuable depth forward, and his track record of availability has been a key part of his value to coaches at every level.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of Johnstone’s career came on December 8, 2023, when he made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Reaching the NHL after a path that included the ECHL, AHL, and NCAA ranks underscored the perseverance that has defined his professional journey.
Marc Johnstone Career Wins
Marc Johnstone’s career has been defined more by durability and reliability than by trophy collections, building his reputation as a dependable forward across the ECHL, AHL, and NHL. His progression through each professional level has reflected steady improvement and a commitment to team success.
AHL and ECHL Highlights
Johnstone’s most notable professional stretch came during the 2022-2023 season with the Toronto Marlies, when he played 69 of 72 regular-season games and appeared in all seven postseason contests. Earlier, his brief four-game call-up to the Marlies from the Newfoundland Growlers marked his first taste of AHL action and paved the way for his full-time contract in Toronto.
Other Performances
Johnstone began his professional career with five games for the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL during the 2020-2021 season. He also suited up for the Newfoundland Growlers of the ECHL in 2021-2022, using that opportunity to earn his first AHL experience with the Marlies.
Marc Johnstone Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Marc Johnstone was born to parents Thomas and Robin in Cranford, New Jersey. The family supported his early interest in hockey, and it was in Cranford that he first laced up the skates at age five and began his long journey through the sport.
Personal Life
Johnstone grew up in Cranford, New Jersey, where his family roots remain tied to the local community. He has continued to build his professional career while remaining connected to the family foundation that supported his early development in the sport.
2025 Season Performance
Marc Johnstone returned to the Toronto Marlies on a two-year AHL contract signed on July 7, 2025, marking a homecoming to the organization where his professional development accelerated. The move brought him back to familiar surroundings after spending two seasons within the Pittsburgh Penguins system and gave him an opportunity to play a leadership role with the Marlies.
Heading into the 2025-2026 campaign, Johnstone is expected to provide veteran stability and two-way responsibility to the Marlies forward group. His previous AHL experience in Toronto, including 69 regular-season games and a full postseason run, should help him transition quickly into a top role with the club.
With two years remaining on his contract and NHL experience now on his resume, Johnstone’s outlook for the 2025 season centers on continued production and the possibility of another opportunity at the highest level. His combination of durability, work ethic, and familiarity with the Marlies system positions him as a key contributor for the season ahead.