The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed forward Kent Johnson. The Jackets signed Johnson to a three-year deal at $1.8M AAV.
THREE MORE YEARS OF KJ
https://t.co/aFOm1KLxCS@RuoffMortgage | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/wRpsPnnQXd
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) July 27, 2024
Johnson Signed for Three Years in Columbus
General manager Don Waddell and the Blue Jackets organization may have gotten themselves a steal. Signing the skillful forward, Johnson for three years, with an average annual value of $1.8M. However, there could be some justification for that since he’s only played 130 games in the past three seasons. Although, the 21-year-old has shown signs of elite skill during that span of games. His best season under his entry-level contract was by far the second year. He played 79 games and scored 40 points for the Blue Jackets.
Heading into his third season as a Jacket, he was looking to keep that good form running. Unfortunately for him and the team, his season was cut short due to a shoulder surgery that sidelined him for six months. Now that Johnson has signed this contract, this is an opportunity for him to prove that he has more to show to the hockey world.
What This Signing Means
Now that the restricted free agent is signed, Johnson can flourish with this Blue Jackets team. There’s a lot to look forward to if you are a Columbus supporter. They have a tremendous amount of young talent on the roster, and that will only improve as the seasons go on. Along with Johnson, there’s Cole Sillinger, David Jiricek, and Adam Fantilli. Not to mention the pipeline that holds newly drafted Cayden Lindstrom, and more. On top of all this, Columbus is getting a fresh face behind their bench with the new boss, Dean Evason. While they may not be a playoff team in the near future, there’s still a lot to look forward to, and signing Johnson on a cheap deal like this one makes Waddell’s and Evason’s job a little easier in reaching their goal.
Main photo: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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