The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that they have re-signed restricted free agent forward Kent Johnson to a three-year contract worth $5.4 million. Johnson’s contract carries an average annual salary of $1.8 million.
Johnson, 21, appeared in 42 games with the Blue Jackets last season, recording six goals and 16 points. He was originally a first-round draft pick, fifth overall, in 2021. Since joining Columbus for the 2021-2022 season, Johnson has recorded 22 goals and 37 assists in 130 NHL games.
The Port Moody, British Columbia, native will become a restricted free agent when his current contract ends after the 2026-27 season and is two years away from becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell is excited the team has agreed to a contract extension with Johnson and sees a bright future for him among the team’s young core.
“Kent Johnson is an exciting young player with a lot of potential and we are pleased to watch him continue to grow and develop as a member of the Blue Jackets,” Waddell said. “He has only just shown glimpses of his potential as a player, but we believe he will be a very valuable addition to our hockey club in the future.”
The University of Michigan product averaged 13 minutes, 32 seconds of ice time last season, including 2 minutes, 9 seconds per game in games with a men’s advantage. Johnson finished the season with 62 shots, hitting 10 and blocking 16. Johnson looks to develop into a top-six winger who can provide a much-needed offensive spark for the Blue Jackets.
The 6-foot-1, 178-pound forward has represented his country on multiple occasions. Johnson played for Canada at the 2022 Olympic Games, recording five points in five games. He also played at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, adding seven points in 10 games. Additionally, he scored a golden goal in overtime to lead Canada to a victory at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The addition of Johnson’s contract extension gives Waddell and the Blue Jackets $15.3 million in cap space this offseason. Columbus still has restricted free agent forwards Kirill Marchenko and Cole Sillinger.
