Jack Johnson (73), signed to a five-year deal by the Penguins in July, is ready to show them he's worth the long-term investment. The veteran defenseman will make his debut with the Penguins on Thursday against the Washington Capitals.

PITTSBURGH — Jack Johnson has spent nearly half his life tangling with Evgeni Malkin in front of the net in rinks all over the world. Bruising affairs that often left one or the other — and occasionally both — skating away in aggravation.

The truce finally came this summer when Johnson joined Malkin and the rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins after signing a five-year, $16.25 million deal. The move allowed Johnson to breathe a sigh of relief on many levels, not the least of which was the knowledge the 31-year-old defenseman wouldn’t have to crash into Malkin multiple times a year.

When Johnson approached Malkin as training camp began, he discovered the feeling was mutual.

“We gave each other a half hug and said `Alright, no more fighting, now we finally get to play with each other,”’ Johnson said with a laugh on Wednesday as the Penguins prepared for their opener against Stanley Cup champion Washington on Thursday. “I said `Don’t worry, I’ll just pass you the puck.”’

Don’t get Johnson wrong. He understands his job responsibilities extend far beyond finding a teammate on Pittsburgh’s star-laden roster streaking up the ice. The Penguins allowed the most goals of any playoff team last season, and their bid to win a third consecutive title ended in the second round of the playoffs against the Capitals.

Johnson is well aware his top priority is to shore things up in front of the Pittsburgh goal before jumping in on the fun at the other end of the ice. He also is intent on not merely being a tag along for longtime friend Sidney Crosby — a former classmate at Shattuck-St. Mary’s boarding school in Minnesota — and company as the Penguins pursue their fourth Cup in a decade.

“I want to be a contributor, I definitely don’t want to be a passenger,” Johnson said. “That’s definitely the biggest thing that’s in my head. I want to help these guys win another one.”

The Penguins believe Johnson can do it in multiple ways. Though he has never been labeled a “defensive” defenseman, at 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds, he’s capable of clearing goaltender Matt Murray’s line of vision. Yet that’s not all he can do. While he’s never scored more than 42 points in a season or been named to the All-Star team during his 11-year career, he’s developed a reputation as a pro’s pro who can play all 200 feet.