Following a four-week AHL stint where he scored 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 10 games, newly recalled Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson is set to play in an NHL game on Friday for the first time in 29 days.
While he's happy to be back, Johnson said he wasn't focusing on being recalled.
"Honestly," Johnson said on Thursday. "I was trying to not focus on it at all, not thinking about being called up, just thinking as if I'm a Monster for the rest of the year."
Kent Johnson scored his fifth AHL goal of the season and is now up to five goals and 15 points in 10 games. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/IDyWTK7Dsg
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) November 26, 2023
Johnson said he learned a lot during his time with the Cleveland Monsters.
"I played in a lot of situations there," Johnson said. "Three-on-three OT, played center which was good, getting reps in the middle and face-offs, and playing a lot of power play. so I think it was just great to have the puck a lot and really get my game going."
Kent Johnson scored his second goal of the night on the power play. Hes up to two goals and three assists in three AHL games. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/sygJMx4Zft
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) November 11, 2023
Johnson said he's always been confident in himself, even if he's not producing points.
"I know it can come and go," Johnson said. "But I know I'm a good player, no matter what. I definitely feel more in a rhythm like I just played a lot of hockey, got a lot of touches, so yeah, I definitely feel really good."
Heres Kent Johnsons goal from tonights game #CBJ pic.twitter.com/UCA2Dm0JLj
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) November 19, 2023
The Blue Jackets hope that Johnson's AHL stint will be his last and that he can make an impact on the team like he did last season when he recorded 16 goals and 40 points.
