Kent Johnson Changes Representation: An Alternate Perspective

Blue Jacket forward Kent Johnson changes his agent representation this week, causing some fans to begin stirring with discomfort.

Being uncomfortable here does make sense. After all, Johnson is now represented by Pat Brisson, the agent behind the scenes of both the Seth Jones and Pierre-Luc Dubois situations. As you all know by now; both players forced their way out of Columbus, ultimately citing not wanting to be parts of a rebuild (laughs on those guys). Immediately, the thoughts of many went to “oh no, not again” … I get it, it makes sense.

But, this situation is entirely different. Jones and Dubois were both looking to cash in new contracts, taking them through the primes of their careers. Both guys knew that those contracts were going to take them through the heart of their top years, and neither was interested in having that take place with a team at the bottom of the standings. From that perspective, I completely understand. We can debate their methods all day, but in the end, they made their own choices. The agent did not make that decision that for them.

Kent Johnson, on the other hand, is still on his entry level deal, which expires after this year. He’s still finding his way in this league; even acting as a healthy scratch on multiple occasions early in the season. He’s looking to cash in on his first big contract, coming off of the ELC. Now, my gut tells me that this agent change was a calculated move – but don’t confuse that with Kent wanting out.

It’s important to note that Brisson also represents Adam Fantilli, who has spoken of his desire to play and win in Columbus since before the team even picked him third overall at last summer’s draft. I don’t think Fantilli would be working under an agent who had some sort of vendetta against Jarmo Kekalainen or the Blue Jacket organization, if he really wanted to play here.

My thought here is that Kent was just looking for a change, hoping to find someone who would negotiate his deal differently than what was currently taking place. This would explain at least part of the reason that he hasn’t signed an extension yet. I’m sure the Jackets consider his next contract a priority, and getting it done before this season’s conclusion seems an important piece of business.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sign an extension in the very near future. For prediction’s sake, I’ll say before Christmas. My guess is that’s the real reason Kent changed agencies – he wanted to see more movement on that front. Let’s not panic quite yet.