Why The Columbus Blue Jackets Should Sign Kent Johnson To An NHL Contract Tomorrow- 4/7/22

So, you may think I've lost it a bit here, but let me explain my reasoning to you, before you judge.  First and foremost, Kent Johnson was the Columbus Blue Jackets first, 1st Round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.  He was selected 5th overall.  This happened for a reason, this young man has incredible skill.  Last season when he played for the University of Michigan he appeared in 26 total games.  In those he had 27 total points, consisting of 9 goals and 18 assists.  This season he excelled again, appearing in 31 games this season as only a Sophomore.  In those games he scored 8 goals and 29 assists, for a 37 point total.  He was moved this season from a Center position to a Left Wing position, a change I wouldn't reverse when he comes to Columbus.  Yes, he does still have to sign a contract and I think the Blue Jackets should do so now, rather than later.  

Why I say this goes well beyond his numbers.  There is really no logical way for the Columbus Blue Jackets to make the playoffs this season.  This isn't a very sad outcome however, many of us expected this with a new Head Coach and a very young team.  In my eyes, this team has surprised even me and I follow them daily!  Even with that word "rebuild" said throughout the season, they've shown us that such won't last long, I think.  I also think for that reason it's great to get Kent Johnson in here to play.  If he were to sign a contract tomorrow, he'd arrive with 10 games left in the regular season.  Right now, this team is having real world practice if you will.  The games count for points, however the playoffs are out of reach, i.e. real world practice.  We've seen Head Coach Brad Larson already make this point with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, stating he will play every game for the remainder of the season.  This is so he can grow to understand what being starting goaltender will be like, next season.  It's a wise tactic now that Merzlikins is healthy, having faced injury and illness this season.  In my mind this same thought process can be applied to all players.  Let them play and understand what being part of a playoff team will be like.  Right now as most teams are winding down who won't make the playoffs, those teams who will are amping up, preparing to face the best of the best for the Stanley Cup.  Even though we're not going to the playoffs this season, it isn't a time to pump the brakes but hit the gas.  The end of this season will be the start of our next.  Bringing in all the starters, letting them play and utilizing these last games as learning experiences, for both individual players and growth as a team, will be invaluable.  

When you look at the level player Kent Johnson is in college, right now, it's easy to see his place on the Columbus Blue Jackets roster.  This is why we drafted him last summer and since he's only grown better.  I see every reason to bring him into the team now and let him start learning over the last 10 games this season.  If he's faced the Frozen Four and the Olympics, playing for team Canada in 2022, scoring 1 goal and 4 assists, he's ready for the NHL.  All he needs is to sign the dotted line and begin his journey.  If I were GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets, my first call at 9 AM Friday would be to this incredibly talented young player, so his future can start now, with us.  

Go CBJ!      

Stats Source:  https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/521697/kent-johnson



  

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