Columbus Blue Jackets re-sign Kent Johnson to three-year, $1.8 million AAV deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced they’ve re-signed restricted free-agent forward Kent Johnson to a three-year contract, worth $5.4 million total. Johnson’s contract carries $1.8 million average annual value.

Johnson, 21, appeared in 42 games for the Blue Jackets last season, recording six goals and 16 points. He was originally a 2021 first-round pick, fifth overall. Since joining Columbus during the 2021-2022 season, Johnson has scored 22 goals, added 37 assists, dressing in 130 NHL contests.

The native of Port Moody, BC will become a restricted free agent once his current contract expires after the 2026-27 season and will still be two years away from unrestricted free agency.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell is very happy the club could work out an extension with Johnson and see a bright future for him among the team’s young core.

“Kent Johnson is an exciting young player with tremendous upside, and we are happy that he will continue to grow and develop as a Blue Jacket,” said Waddell. “He is just beginning to scratch the surface of what he can be as a player, and we believe he will be a very important part of our hockey club moving forward.”

The University of Michigan product averaged 13:32 of ice-time last season, which included 2:09 per game with the man advantage. Johnson ended the season tallying 62 shots on goal, landing 10 hits and blocking 16 shots. Johnson appears set to develop into a top-six winger who can provide a much-needed offensive spark for the Blue Jackets.

The 6-foot, 178-pound forward has also represented his country on multiple occasions. Johnson skated for Team Canada at the 2022 Olympic Games, recording five points in five games. He’s also appeared at the 2022 IIHF World Championships, adding seven points in 10 games and the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships, where he’d go on to score the overtime golden goal to lead Canada to victory.

After adding Johnson’s extension to their books, Waddell and the Blue Jackets have $15.3 million in cap space remaining this offseason. Columbus has restricted free-agent forwards Kirill Marchenko and Cole Sillinger left to sign.