Kent Johnson Changed Agents And Is Now Represented by Pat Brisson

Is this something to worry about?

Kent Johnson has changed his representation, but should it be a cause for concern amongst the team and fans?

Pat Brisson represents current Jackets Adam Fantilli and Luca Del Bel Belluz. But more importantly, it's the former Jackets he has represented, players like Matt Duchene and Alexander Wennberg. But the names that stand out are Seth Jones and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Jones and Dubois both asked out of Columbus just before the rebuild. Also, Both players said they wanted no part of a rebuilding franchise. Dubois has since asked out of Winnipeg and was traded to the LA Kings. Jones remains in Chicago on a rebuilding team. 

Columbus fans will argue that those two asking out was the best thing for the franchise. They definitely got the better end with those two trades, but asking out is what’s going to give fans of the CBJ heartburn.

Now enter Kent Johnson. Johnson is in the final year of his ELC and is going to be an RFA at the end of 2023-24. To complicate things, Johnson was a healthy scratch twice in the first nine games. Another wrinkle is that Johnson is waivers exempt, meaning he could be sent to Cleveland if needed. How would that go over with Johnson? Pat Brisson is known for playing hardball with GMs. 

Should fans be worried?

For now, three weeks into the season, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Johnson currently sits with 1 goal and 2 assists on the season and the CBJ needs him to start scoring and being a playmaker. Kent Johnson was the 5th overall pick in 2021, so the expectations for him are understandably high. 

Pat Brisson is a tough agent, that’s no secret. So hopefully this is no big deal. The last thing this team needs is a distraction on the ice or in the front office. The rumor has always been that Brisson and Kekalainen have had issues with negotiations. Was this the reason for Johnson's switch? If Johnson doesn't have a good year, he has no leverage. But if he does turn it around, this could get interesting. 

This will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation until a deal gets done, or doesn't. Stay Tuned.

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