Three Major Reasons Why Kent Johnson Should Be in the Blue Jackets’ Top-6…

Kent Johnson’s journey through the 2023–24 NHL season has been far from smooth sailing, diverging significantly from his initial expectations. As the Columbus Blue Jackets gear up post-bye week, Johnson finds himself among several players grappling with underwhelming performances.

Despite the team’s dim playoff prospects with just 32 games remaining, these matchups retain significance for various reasons, setting the stage for our post-All-Star Game series. Through this collection of articles, we aim to spotlight crucial developments essential for the Blue Jackets to cultivate momentum, potentially influencing an offseason poised for substantial transformation.

Johnson’s trajectory this season encountered turbulence early on, marked by a stint as a healthy scratch for the home opener, followed by a temporary demotion to the AHL to reclaim lost confidence. While his return to the Blue Jackets’ lineup showcased glimpses of promise, including a pivotal game-winning goal in overtime against Toronto, Johnson remains a work in progress, diligently honing multiple facets of his game.

However, a startling revelation emerges: despite his offensive prowess, Johnson’s power play contribution amounts to zero points, starkly contrasting with his previous season’s performance. Despite ample opportunities on the man advantage, clocking over 74 minutes, Johnson’s power play tally remains nonexistent, a perplexing anomaly demanding attention.

With Adam Fantilli sidelined for an extended period, the onus falls on Johnson to seize the opportunity, injecting fervor into home crowds for the remainder of the season. Recent practices saw Johnson slotting into the top-six alongside Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko, a configuration that bore fruit in a notable 1-0 shutout victory against the St. Louis Blues.

#CBJ lines remain unchanged from their 1-0 win in St. Louis before the break:

Gaudreau-Jenner-Chinakhov
Johnson-Voronkov-Marchenko
Texier-Sillinger-Roslovic
Danforth-Kuraly-Olivier

Defense has added Boqvist (upper body/head) back into the mix.

— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2024

Given the current juncture of the season, it’s imperative that Johnson secure a spot in the top-six lineup. Here are three compelling reasons why this arrangement is imperative for the remainder of the campaign:

Offensive Potential: Johnson’s offensive capabilities demand utilization within the top six, where his skill set can be maximized to bolster the team’s scoring prowess.

Power Play Expertise: Despite his inexplicable power play dry spell, Johnson’s track record suggests he possesses the acumen to thrive in such situations, warranting further opportunities to reignite his scoring touch.

Team Momentum: With the season nearing its climax and playoff aspirations dimmed, injecting Johnson into the top-six represents a strategic move to infuse energy and excitement into the team, potentially catalyzing a late-season surge.

Elevating Johnson to the top-six isn’t merely an option but a strategic imperative vital for revitalizing the Blue Jackets’ offensive potency and fostering momentum in the latter stages of the season.