Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Kent Johnson looking to bounce back

Drafted 5th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Kent Johnson was selected to help drive the Blue Jacket offense. The highly skill forward was seen as a wing (or possibly a center) on the top line for the Blue Jackets. He had great offensive numbers at the University of Michigan and flashed world-class skill.

The 2022-2023 season was Johnson’s rookie campaign. While the team struggled mightily, Johnson showed glimpses of what he can become. He scored 16 goals and 24 assists for a total of 40 points. While the team had hoped that he could be a center, he mostly played on the wing and looked more comfortable in that position.

Johnson suffered a sophomore slump in the 2023-2024 season. He missed nearly half the season due to injuries, playing in 42 games. He scored 6 goals and 10 assists for a total of 16 points. That’s 0.38 points/game, after a 0.51 points/game from his rookie season. There were moments where he looked out of place or just lacked confidence.

For the 2024-2025 season, the goal for Johnson is to regain his rookie form and expand upon it. The team will be counting on him to help drive the offense. If he can bounce back, then the team will find more success. But if he continues to struggle, the team will look towards other players for offense.

Johnson will be expected to play on the wing in the top six. With the newly added depth at center, I think that it’s safe to say that the team will primarily play him on the wing. While Dean Evason will expect all players to play a solid two-way game, I suspect Johnson will mostly be employed in offensive situations. He will be a mainstay on the power play and likely won’t see penalty killing minutes.

Johnson just signed a 3-year contract that carries an AAV of $1.8 million. That’s a good bridge contract for the young forward. He will have some time to establish himself with the hopes of securing a larger contract upon its expiration. Meanwhile, the team gets to evaluate the player at a low cap hit and determine his long-term role to the team upon its expiration. It’s a win-win for both the club and player.

When Johnson’s contract expires, he will still be a restricted free agent. The team views him as one of the core pieces of the franchise. So, if he continues to develop and improve, there should be no reason that the club won’t sign him to a long-term extension in 2027.

One bold prediction: Kent Johnson will exceed 40 assists this season.

Johnson is a skilled player and is more known as a passer than a shooter. He really needs a bounce back season this year. If he can stay healthy this season, I think he has a good chance to replicate and improve upon his rookie numbers. In that season, he registered 24 assists. Assuming he earns the trust of Evason, he will be given ample opportunities to distribute the puck this season. I think it is very reasonable to think he can improve upon his 24 assist rookie season and exceed the 40 assist mark.

Kent Johnson is a core piece of the Blue Jackets both for this season and in the long-term. His development is important for the long-term outlook of the franchise.