The fifth pick is in.
It's forward Kent Johnson, who played at Michigan this past year. He was named to the Big-10 All-Rookie Team after posting 9-18-27 in 26 games in his freshman season at Michigan in 2020-21.
Kent Johnson (#2021NHLDraft eligible) scored one of the more beautiful goals we've seen all season in @NCAAIceHockey for @UMichHockey yesterday.
— EP Rinkside (@EPRinkside) December 9, 2020
Johnson's @EliteProspects page: https://t.co/UpLeD6sOjI pic.twitter.com/Xb13ICNSOz
He's a skillful player with offensive upside. It made sense for the Blue Jackets to draft a forward after their moves today, where they acquired defensemen Jake Bean and Adam Boqvist from Carolina and Chicago, respectively.
Kent Johnson @BlueJacketsNHL
— Meghan Chayka (@MeghanChayka) July 24, 2021
NHL Comparable Players: William Nylander, Johnny Gaudreau
Strengths:
Possession Driver, High Stick-on Puck Possession Time
In the Offensive Zone Holds onto the Puck and Wants to Make Plays
Moves Puck to High Danger Areas in Offensive Zone
Kent Johnson to Columbus.
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisTHN) July 24, 2021
Highlight-reel machine. In terms of pure skill, he's one of the most fun to watch. Puck-handler to thee extreme. Great eyes, and once he adds some more strength to go with his size, he'll be tough to slow down. #NHLDraft
Johnson is an 18-year-old from North Vancouver, British Columbia. He's drawn several comparisons to Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau for not only his style of play, but as a guy who - at least at one point - was undersized. At 6'1", Johnson has recently went through a growth spurt and passed Gaudreau by four inches. However, having spent the last several years as an undersized kid, he's developed an elusive, crafty style of play.
"It (the growth spurt) was gradual and I had a stick in my hand basically every day, so I never really lost my coordination" Johnson told The Athletic. "Growing up, getting taller; I didn't have to change the way I play. I noticed that it made a few things better for me.
"I've got more reach and I'm definitely able to lean on guys a bit more."
Johnson will not make his NHL debut this year, as he's heading back to Michigan to continue his collegiate career. He'll be a sophomore for the upcoming season, but with a productive second for the Wolverines, he could be on the fast track to don a Blue Jackets sweater.
