The Blue Jackets will be looking for this forward to bounce back in 2026-27.
After a very rough end to the 2025-26 campaign, the offseason is here for the Columbus Blue Jackets. With how they finished off this season, they will certainly be hoping for better results next year.
One player who the Blue Jackets are hoping can turn things around next season is forward Kent Johnson. The 23-year-old forward had a tough campaign for the Blue Jackets, as he recorded just seven goals and 22 points in 76 games. While the 2021 fifth-overall pick did not have the kind of season he had hoped for, he is a prime bounce-back candidate to watch for next season.
Just back in 2024-25 with the Blue Jackets, Johnson had a big year for the Metropolitan Division club. In 68 games, he set career highs with 24 goals, 33 assists, and 57 points. He also had 16 goals and 40 points in 79 games for Columbus during the 2022-23 season. With numbers like these, he has already shown that he can be an impactful offensive contributor at the NHL level. Now, he will be looking to bounce back because of it.
It will be interesting to see if Johnson can rebound next season from his tough 2025-26 season. Given his past success and young age, the possibility of him doing so should not be ruled out.