It's A Big Day For Blue Jackets, Signing a Michigan Forward And Their University Captain! 4/8/22

It's a big day for the University of Michigan and the Columbus Blue Jackets.  It was expected that the team would and should sign 1st round pick, 5th Overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Kent Johnson to a contract today.  The University's season ended in the Frozen Four loss, last night also, with a 3-2 overtime loss to Denver.  It's unfortunate for the college but a good thing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who today were able to offer him an Entry Level Contract he accepted!  This contract is for 3 season, which will include this 2021-22 NHL Season.  Yes, there are only 10 games left, 9 for him as he'll first play on Wednesday in Nationwide Arena, when the Canadians come to visit.  This is a great idea though as he can get into the groove of the NHL before next season starts anew.  No amount for his payout has been released.  We welcome him and I for one can't wait to see him play!  

Regarding Kent Johnson's signing today, the Columbus Blue Jackets GM, Jarmo Kekalainen, told this to Jeff Svoboda. “Kent Johnson is a remarkable young man both on and off the ice. He is a highly-skilled and creative player who can bring you out of your seat whenever he’s on the ice."

The team also got a huge bonus.  Not only has one of the best Forwards in Kent Johnson been signed from the University of Michigan, but so has one of the best Defenders, who is also their Captain!  This is Nick Blankenburg.  He was given a 1-year deal which will extend through the end of this 2021-22 NHL Season.  Also, this is another Entry Level Contract, as he's coming from college straight to the NHL.  Again, no payment amount has been disclosed as of yet.  This is another wise signing as he had a great season.  Over such he had 29 total points, consisting of 14 goals and 15 assists.  A huge congratulations and welcome to him as well!

As for numbers, Kent Johnson has worn 13 and Jeff Svoboda believes that will continue now as a Blue Jacket.  This would be great news as the former 13, a slightly well known Cam Atkinson, had great luck with it while here.  As for the surprise of the day, Nick Blackburg, it is suspected by Jeff Svoboda that he will dawn the number 77.  As I said last night, this isn't the time to be upset about us not making the playoffs, but a time to be excited as new moves happen to better this team.  He's only 23-years of age and the perfect type of player to learn and grow with this already young Blue Jackets team. These two signings surely will and I can't wait for Wednesday, can you 5th Line?

Go CBJ!  

Source:

Jeff Svoboda:  "Jarmo Kekalainen: “Kent Johnson is a remarkable young man both on and off the ice. He is a highly-skilled and creative player who can bring you out of your seat whenever he’s on the ice." #CBJ

  2)  "But wait, there's more!

The Blue Jackets have signed University of Michigan defenseman Nick Blankenburg to a one-year, entry level contract for the remainder of the season. He is expected to join the club on Monday. #CBJ" (Tweet Only)

3) "Nick Blankenburg, 23, served as Michigan's captain this season and set career highs in goals (14), assists (15) and points (29). He is tied for second among all NCAA defensemen in goals.
#CBJ"

4) "Kent Johnson expected to wear 13, his college number, with
#CBJ while Nick Blankenburg will wear 77."

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