Kent Johnson (ice hockey)

Kent Johnson (born October 18, 2002) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played college ice hockey for the University of Michigan. He was drafted fifth overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Kent Johnson
Born (2002-10-18) October 18, 2002
Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 181 lb (82 kg; 12 st 13 lb)
Position Centre
Shoots Left
NHL team Columbus Blue Jackets
National team  Canada
NHL Draft 5th overall, 2021
Columbus Blue Jackets
Playing career 2022–present

Playing career

Junior

During the 2018–19 season in his first season with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Johnson recorded 20 goals and 26 points in 57 games. During the 2019–20 season, he recorded 41 goals and 60 assists in 52 games and won the Brett Hull Trophy as the league's leading scorer. Following an outstanding season, he was named BCHL First-Team All-Star, BCHL Most Sportsmanlike Player, BCHL Most Valuable Player, and Canadian Junior Hockey League Forward of the Year.[1][2]

Collegiate

Johnson began his collegiate career for the Michigan Wolverines during the 2020–21 season. On January 18, 2021, Johnson recorded a career-high five points in a game against Michigan State.[3] He became the first Michigan player to record five points in a game since J. T. Compher on March 18, 2016. He was subsequently named the Big Ten Conference First Star of the Week for the week ending January 13, 2021.[4] He finished his freshman season with nine goals and 18 assists in 26 games. He ranked second in rookie scoring in the Big Ten Conference and third in the nation in rookie points per game.[5] Following the season, he was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team.[6]

During the 2021–22 season in his sophomore year, he recorded eight goals and 29 assists in 32 games. He finished fourth in the nation in assists per game and ranked 16th in points per game.[7]

Professional

On July 23, 2021, Johnson was drafted in the first round, fifth overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.[8] On April 8, 2022, Johnson signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets.[9] He made his NHL debut on April 13, 2022, in a game against the Montreal Canadiens.[10]

International play

On July 21, 2021, Johnson was selected to attend Canada's National Junior Team summer development camp.[11] On January 25, 2022, Johnson was named to Team Canada's roster as an alternate to represent Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics.[12]

Personal life

Johnson was born to Jay and Anita Johnson. His brother, Kyle, plays hockey for Yale.[13]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2018–19 Trail Smoke Eaters BCHL 57 20 26 46 24 12 7 5 12 4
2019–20 Trail Smoke Eaters BCHL 52 41 60 101 14 4 1 6 7 2
2020–21 University of Michigan B1G 26 9 18 27 4 — — — — —
2021–22 University of Michigan B1G 32 8 29 37 6 — — — — —
2021–22 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 9 0 3 3 2 — — — — —
NHL totals 9 0 3 3 2 — — — — —

International
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2022 Canada OG 6th 5 1 4 5 0
Senior totals 5 1 4 5 0

Awards and honours
Award Year
College
All-Big Ten Freshman Team 2021 [14]

References
  1. Phillips, Benjamin (February 26, 2020). "Kent Johnson named League MVP and Most Sportsmanlike while Logan Terness takes home Rookie of the Year award". The Trail Champion. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  2. "Kent Johnson Named CJHL Top Forward". trailsmokeeaters.com. April 24, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  3. McNeil, Kristy (January 8, 2021). "Nine Wolverines Light Lamp as Mann, U-M Blank Michigan State". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  4. "Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State Earn Three Stars Honors". BigTen.org. January 13, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  5. LaBarber, Jourdon (July 20, 2021). "NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Kent Johnson". NHL.com. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  6. McNeil, Kristy (March 16, 2021). "Bordeleau, York Named B1G Rookie, Defenseman of Year to Lead U-M Honorees". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  7. McNeil, Kristy (April 8, 2022). "Blankenburg, Johnson, Power Sign Professional Contracts". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  8. "CBJ select Kent Johnson with 5th Overall Pick". NHL.com. July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  9. "CBJ sign 2021 first round pick Kent Johnson to three-year ELC". NHL.com. April 8, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  10. Johnson, Bailey (April 13, 2022). "Kent Johnson and Nick Blankenburg set for NHL debuts Wednesday against Canadiens". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved April 13, 2022.
  11. McNeil, Kristy (July 21, 2021). "Johnson, Power Invited to Hockey Canada Camp". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  12. McNeil, Kristy (January 25, 2022). "Power, Johnson Selected to Hockey Canada Olympic Roster". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  13. "Kent Johnson". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  14. "Hockey Postseason Honors Announced". Big Ten. March 16, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
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