In addition to scoring at a higher pace this season (0.54 points/game) than last year (0.51 points/game), Blue Jackets winger Kent Johnson is improving his all-around game.
Johnson has posted 5-7--12 in 22 games including 4-5--9 in 14 games since being recalled from a four-week AHL stint, and his head coach, Pascal Vincent, praised his physicality.
"Physicality for me," Vincent said on Monday. "Especially for guys like KJ and Johnny Gaudreau for example. It's not so much how physical you're gonna get, but [it's] those stick battles. But mainly it's how willing are you to make plays under pressure. You know you're going to get hit or you're under pressure, are you willing to make the play or are you just gonna throw the puck away?"
#CBJ Johnson (5) goal pic.twitter.com/ujLFg8tpc9
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 30, 2023
"KJ plays with--I don't see any fear in his game," Vincent continued. "He's willing to play that physical game which is different than (Mathieu) Olivier, right? Or (Erik) Gudbranson. It's not the same kind of physicality, but I see him improving in his physical game, which is completely different than other guys."
Johnson plays a great deal below the goal line, where he's established himself as a real threat from that area. Vincent said making the defense turn and work behind them is something they focus on.
#CBJ Laine (6) goal pic.twitter.com/oS7C9gALza
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 15, 2023
"But KJ--he's making good plays on entries," Vincent said. He's making good plays on the powerplay. He's really good. He's gonna get better and better. But in tight he's got the ability to make plays, his passes between skates between the legs and the skill level is off
the chart."
Johnson has the potential to be a point-per-game player at the NHL level, but it's promising to see him play well in different areas of the game.
