What is the rookie wall?
When you hear the term 'rookie wall,' it refers to the idea that a rookie's production will halt at a certain point in the season because they are not used to the rigorous pro schedule, i.e 82 games in seven months. Kent Johnson's career-high in games played in a season, both regular and post, is 69, when he played for the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League, per eliteprospects.com.
In 2021-22, Johnson played 63 games across stints with the Blue Jackets, Michigan, and Team Canada at the World Junior Championship, World Championship, and Winter Olympics.
This season, he's on pace to play 79 NHL regular-season games. In the 48 games he's played so far, he's registered 10 goals and 14 assists, ranking fifth among rookies in points with 24.
#CBJ Johnson (9) goal pic.twitter.com/AjlZDBz4gc
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) January 26, 2023
Throughout the season, he's shown everyone why he was the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and why he's one of the cornerstones of the Blue Jackets' rebuild.
But there comes a time in every rookie's season when they approach that wall. Whether or not Johnson hits that wall remains to be seen. Even if he does, that's okay. The NHL is not supposed to be easy, and rookies aren't supposed to score every night.
#CBJ Johnson (10) goal pic.twitter.com/A1OAQCobuI
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) January 29, 2023
Johnson has produced at every level he's ever played at, and I don't expect that to change in the NHL, but these things take time. So, if/when he does hit that rookie wall, don't panic. He's already displayed more than enough ability, poise, and IQ that proves he belongs at this level. Not only does he belong, but he can be a special player in the NHL.
