Kent Johnson was thrust into a more prominent role than the Blue Jackets probably wanted this season; but as the season wore on, he got better and better. While he had late struggles offensively, he looked more comfortable on the ice at the end of the season – and could be ready for a big breakout next year.
One of the most purely skilled players we’ve ever seen in a Blue Jacket uniform, Kent Johnson was selected fifth overall just two summers ago. It seems like it’s been a lot longer than that, as the team has struggled hard during his two years in the system – but his presence and productivity this season should serve as a sign of a brighter future for this franchise.
He was a healthy scratch to start the season, but once he got into the lineup, it was impossible to take him back out. Kent’s silky smooth hands and patience with the puck were much needed assets to the Jackets, a team who lost a lot of its talent due to injury early and often this year. It goes without saying that the team probably wanted to see him play sheltered minutes, to further his development; but I doubt they are disappointed with the way he showed up when they needed him.
Kent Johnson with one of the prettiest goals you'll ever see. #CBJpic.twitter.com/Qr46vocsbM
— Union and Blue (@UnionAndBlue) March 25, 2023
The season wasn’t perfect for Kent – there were turnovers here and there, and he’s still way outmatched from a physical standpoint – but, overall I thought he did a nice job meshing into the lineup, and I never felt like he looked out of place. I thought his game was at its best when he played middle-six minutes, and his productivity will align with that.
That said, when he had to fill in on the top line, I thought he had some obvious chemistry with Johnny Gaudreau, and I’ll be interested to see if the next head coach feels the same way. Clearly, he wasn’t ready for prime top line minutes this season. I don’t think Brad Larsen and his staff were wrong in sheltering him a little bit – but if a more confident, stronger, and somewhat experienced Kent Johnson comes back this fall and takes over that role, why stop him?
Even if he doesn’t become a top line player next season, or even if he doesn’t ever play center for this team; he has established himself as a dangerous future top-six scorer in this league, which is exactly what we hoped we were getting when he was drafted so high. All of this has been proven so far, and he’s still just 20 years old. He should continue to trend upwards for the next few seasons.
Final season stats: 79 games played, 16 goals, 24 assists, 40 points, 14 PIMs, -19, 126 shots on goal. Overall grade: A
Quietly, Kent Johnson had the fourth most points by a rookie in CBJ history. His 40 points edged out Rick Nash for third most all-time, in a year where the team finished second to last in the entire league. The two players ahead of him (Pierre-Luc Dubois, Zach Werenski) both played for much stronger CBJ teams in their rookie years. He finished fifth on the entire team in scoring this season, in spite of being the 13th forward on opening night. In the end, he exceeded a lot of expectations, and I don’t think he got enough credit for that as the year went on. This was a very solid rookie season for Kent Johnson.