Kent Johnson has struggled this season for Columbus
The Jackets have recalled forward Yegor Chinakhov from the AHL Monsters today.
Chinakhov had been injured and missed the Jackets first six games. Once healthy and able to play, he was promptly sent down to Cleveland to get some games in.
In three games in Cleveland, he scored 3 goals and has 4 points. Last season in Cleveland he had 8 points in seven games.
Kent Johnson, who seems to be going through a major sophomore slump, was sent to Cleveland. Johnson has only managed to get 3 points this season. He was benched for the last 14 minutes of last night's game against the Lightning, after making a few bad turnovers.
Everyone in Columbus wants Kent Johnson to succeed, so what could be going on with him? Why is he struggling so much to fit into the lineup this season?
Coach Vincent has said a few times that Johnson had been struggling to keep up with the style of play that the CBJ are going with this season, hence the opening night scratch. Johnson has been watching from the press box a few times this season.
Johnson has the playmaking ability and talent to be a star, he showed everyone that last year with his 40 points in 79 games. He was picked 5th overall in 2021, so the Jackets, one can assume, will do whatever they have to do to get Johnson back on track.
Spending a few weeks in Cleveland should help Kent Johnson.
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