Kent Johnson News

Johnson will start the season as a healthy scratch but the talented centreman should find himself on the Blue Jackets roster before long. Patrik Laine being moved to the middle has created an influx of center-depth to start the season for the Blue Jackets, likely factoring into Johnson's early-season healthy scratch. The fifth overall pick from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft is coming off his rookie season with the Blue Jackets which saw him tally 40 points (16G / 24A) in 79 games.

Johnson was a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace Patrik Laine (ankle) in the lineup on Tuesday. Johnson has tallied three goals and three assists (six points) in 11 games this season.

With Elvis Merzlikins out, the Blue Jackets sent Johnson to the AHL to make room to call-up Jet Greaves to serve as the backup in Carolina.

Johnson has some immigration stuff to get sorted before making his NHL debut but the Blue Jackets are anticipating him playing vs. the Canadiens. The 19-year-old had eight goals with 29 assists (37 points) in 32 games during his sophomore season at the University of Michigan. He's expected to start on a line with Justin Danforth and Oliver Bjorkstrand.