After an impressive performance in training camp, Kent Johnson cracked the Blue Jackets 2022-23 opening night roster.
But according to head coach Brad Larsen, it wasn't because he was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft or because he did the 'Michigan' and scored the golden goal at the World Juniors.
“Kent is here because he deserves to be here," Larsen told the media at Monday's practice. "Period.”
#CBJ coach Brad Larsen on Kent Johnson today: Kent is here because he deserves to be here, period.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) October 10, 2022
Larsen said hes seen steps in KJ's pace of play, competitiveness and ability to execute at a high speed. If he's a scratch to start, "he's not gonna sit on the shelf long."
Well, you may be thinking, "obviously he's here because he deserves to be here," but the fact that Larsen chose those words means something.
Johnson wasn't handed anything heading into camp and still isn't being given a thing, judging by the fact that he was an extra skater in Monday's practice line rushes.
#CBJ lines today:
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) October 10, 2022
Gaudreau-Jenner-Laine
Chinakhov-Roslovic-Voracek
Nyquist-Sillinger-Danforth
Robinson-Kuraly-Olivier
Werenski-Boqvist
Gavrikov-Peeke
Bean-Gudbranson
Blankenburg-Jiricek
Extra forwards: Johnson, Foudy
Goalies: Merzlikins, Korpisalo, Tarasov
Not present: Luoto
It's clear that while his draft status may indicate how talented he is, and yes, he's extremely talented, he's going to have to earn every second of ice time he gets. And that can't be a bad thing for a young player.
Johnson does deserve to be on the NHL roster. Here's where he ranked among Blue Jackets forwards at 5v5 during the preseason (data via naturalstattrick.com):
- 8 shots (5th)
- 4 takeaways (1st)
- 3.01 xG (1st)
- 34 team scoring chances while he was on the ice (3rd)
- 44 team shots while he was on the ice (1st)
Now, Johnson will have to earn his way into the lineup, as he's currently on the outside looking in as an extra skater. However, as Larsen said in the embedded tweet above, he won't be scratched for long.
So, when he does make the lineup, where does he play? I think it's safe to assume that it'll be on the wing, as the four centers will likely be Boone Jenner, Jack Roslovic, Cole Sillinger, and Sean Kuraly. But, does Johnson play on the top-six, third-line, or fourth-line as he did last season? And what about special teams? The first power-play unit seems to be solidified with Zach Werenski, Johnny Gaudreau, Patrik Laine, Jenner, and Justin Danforth, so does he have a chance to be on that second unit?
All of these questions and more will be answered as the season gets rolling. It all begins Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Raleigh as the Jackets take on the Carolina Hurricanes.
