Everything To Know From Kent Johnson And Nick Blankenburg's First Practice- 4/11/22
Let's start with how Head Coach Brad Larson fit these two young players into today's practice lineup. Yes, the two also spoke with the media today, however I'll be posting that in a separate blog. I want to make this day easy to read and understand, hence my point of doing two separate posts. According to Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider on Twitter), these were the lines today on April 11, 2022. Following the list is my input as to why these placements, for both Johnson and Blankenburg, are a good fit in my mind.
"#CBJ
lines
Bayreuther-Carlsson"
I like the line Johnson is starting on first of all. Danforth has been hot lately, Bjorkstrand also. He can add to that line while also learning from it. It will be a good starting point for him, for these reason alone. Further, in today's press conference, Head Coach Brad Larson made it clear that he wants to transfer Johnson back to the Center position. Why? He was drafted to this team with the intent to play that position, one we need right now, to be honest. Currently he's been a Winger though, both in the 2022 Winter Olympics and the College Hockey Season. It's another great reason to burn the first year of his contract in the last 9 games of this season. This will be not only a time to learn, but also a time to adjust to transferring back from Winger to Center.
As for Blankenburg, putting him with Kukan seems like another great idea in my mind as well. Kukan is 28-years-old with a lot of experience to share. Also, being on this line he'll also be able to ease into the NHL, but will also give him the opportunity to advance should he perform well in his first couple games. Remember, being drafted Johnson received a 3-year contract at the Enter Level. Blankenburg, on the other hand, received just a 1- year contract with the same Entry Level clause. This means Blankenburg has 9-games to prove himself worthy of a contract extension. Personally, I think he'll do so, it's a gut feeling I'll share with you all now. I understand College is a large leap to the NHL, however his numbers are strong in College and he wasn't made Captain of his team without reason. Many expect a lot from Johnson, but I expect a lot from both men. They deserve these contracts and I can't wait to see what they both do with them!
Good luck to you both!
Sources:
Jeff Svoboda Line Tweet above and "Kent Johnson played wing at practice today and #CBJ head coach Brad Larsen said the plan is to start him there. He has played center growing up but was a wing at U-M so it makes sense to begin him there."
head coach Brad Larsen said the plan is to start him there. He has played center growing up but was a wing at U-M so it makes sense to begin him there."
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