🏒 Kent Johnson C

Kent Johnson's 2024-25 campaign with the Columbus Blue Jackets represents a significant breakthrough for the 22-year-old forward, showcasing the offensive potential that made him the fifth overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. Through 68 games, Johnson has posted career-high numbers with 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points, while maintaining a positive plus-minus rating of +2. Johnson's versatility between center and left wing has provided valuable flexibility for the coaching staff, while his power play contributions (4 PPG) have helped stabilize the team's special teams units. His average ice time of 17:18 per game reflects head coach Dean Evason's growing trust in the young forward's abilities. Particularly noteworthy is Johnson's efficiency, demonstrated by his 19.5% shooting percentage and 4 game-winning goals.

Johnson's Complete Offensive Impact (COI) metric of 0.598 indicates strong offensive contribution beyond traditional statistics. His offensive component (13.7 Off GAR) demonstrates his ability to generate scoring chances and create plays, though his slightly negative penalty differential suggests an area for potential improvement. The raw COI of 11.72 places him among the more impactful forwards on the Blue Jackets' roster. His Impact Per 60 metrics reveal a well-rounded player making contributions in multiple facets of the game. With a total impact per 60 of 6.47, including 4.75 in offensive impact and 2.51 in defensive impact, Johnson has shown significant development in his 200-foot game.

His opponent impact metrics show especially strong performances against Metropolitan Division rivals, with his highest impact ratings coming against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia (9.56 total impact each over 4 games) and he's averaged over 2.0 impact per game against several Metropolitan Division rivals. The three-year bridge contract signed in July 2024 ($1.8M AAV) is already proving to be a shrewd piece of business by Blue Jackets President Don Waddell. This elevated play in crucial matchups bodes well for his continued development as a core piece of the Blue Jackets' future.

Key Takeaway: Kent Johnson has emerged as a legitimate top-six forward for Columbus, with his combination of scoring touch and playmaking ability suggesting potential for even higher offensive output. His efficient shooting and positive defensive metrics indicate a player growing into a complete NHL forward, making his current contract increasingly valuable for the Blue Jackets' salary cap management.