Is Kent Johnson Back?
No, not technically as he's playing hockey for the Cleveland Monsters just up I-71, a few hours from his NHL home in Columbus.
As training camp was getting going and the season was getting underway, Johnson was among the young players everyone penciled into one of the top six spots. Whether the first or second line, there was no doubt he was considered a major piece for this organization.
Even when he didn't turn in his greatest training camp, at least in new head coach Pascal Vincent's eyes, to scratch the second-year pro for an opening night clash against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Johnson was a healthy scratch again on Oct. 26 against the Montreal Canadiens. He was benched in the third period of the club's last win on Nov. 2 after a turnover on the power play nearly went in as a goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The next day, the decision was made to send him to the AHL for the first time in his career so he could get his game on track. Yegor Chinakhov came back the other way.
In eight games for the Blue Jackets this season, Johnson has just three points (one goal, two assists). The 21-year-old wasn't the only player to be healthy scratched or have minutes reduced in-game as that's been one of Vincent's corrective measures for his team.
Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine have been recent examples of those who have seen their minutes reduced, even in the third period when the team needed a tying goal.
When the Blue Jackets told Johnson he would go to Cleveland instead of traveling with the NHL club for their trip to D.C. for a Nov. 4 matchup against the Capitals, Johnson had the decision to skip the Nov. 3 game that night as the Monsters took on the Providence Bruins.
Instead, he opted to play and had two assists.
In just seven games for the Monsters, Johnson is tied for third on the team with 11 points (three goals, eight assists). Johnson's recorded a point in six of seven games, with his first four-point (one goal, three assists) game during Saturday's 7-5 loss to the Rochester Americans.
Heres Kent Johnsons goal from tonights game #CBJ pic.twitter.com/UCA2Dm0JLj
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) November 19, 2023
He's second on the Monsters with 1.57 points per game.
the pass. the goal.
— Cleveland Monsters (@monstershockey) November 21, 2023
all just chef kiss
Pyyhtia Johnson Bemstrom pic.twitter.com/ZxGqzpwDD7
It might have raised eyebrows and sounded alarms when Johnson was sent down. In a season that's gone anywhere but planned for the Blue Jackets including sending Johnson down, this was the result that they were aiming for.
Give the kid a chance to go down, simplify his game, and get back on track. He's also had the chance to play center while in Cleveland.
The Blue Jackets haven't won a game since Johnson went to Cleveland. With a need for offense and desperate for a win, it might be a matter of time before No. 91 is back in Columbus.
