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A Blue Jackets player in the spotlight of Kent Hughes and it's not Patrik Laine
The rumors have been persistent that the Tricolore is interested in Finnish winger Patrik Laine, but now we learn that another player from the Columbus Blue Jackets is in Kent Hughes' sights.
The general manager is reportedly interested in bringing restricted free agent Kent Johnson into the Montreal fold.
Kent Hughes has been clear about his ambition to improve his top-6 offense before the start of the next regular season. While Patrik Laine is still on the NHL assistance protocol, Kent Johnson's situation with the organization is reportedly not ideal.
He was not very happy about being sent down to the minors and being benched when he was with the big club.
In addition to the intense rumors regarding Patrik Laine and the Tricolore, Kent Johnson is also linked to the Montreal team. However, it would be surprising if both players ended up in Montreal. It would be a massive trade if that were the case.
What if the negotiated trade between the Canadiens and the Blue Jackets involved not Patrik Laine, but Kent Johnson?
Kent Johnson's value is lower than Trevor Zegras', but it could be worth it considering the player's talent. The price would be much less expensive for Kent Hughes.
"Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic wrote an article answering questions from his readers, and one of the questions was about the best fit to fill that top-6 spot for the CH.
If he had to choose between Zegras, Necas, Kaapo Kakko, and Kent Johnson, he believes the latter would be the best choice to add to the Montreal lineup."
- Michaël Petit
If he had to choose between Zegras, Necas, Kaapo Kakko, and Kent Johnson, he believes the latter would be the best choice to add to the Montreal lineup."
- Michaël Petit
This really brings to mind the same scenarios as the trades for Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook. Each time, the CH improved their top-6.
It's intriguing to see journalist Duhatschek specifically target Kent Johnson with the CH organization.
Johnson will need to polish his defensive game. He is truly electrifying offensively, and his playing style is compared to that of a certain Patrick Kane. However, we should moderate our expectations when comparing him, as Patrick Kane was already a young sensation at 21 in the Bettman circuit.
At the same age as Kane, Kent Johnson stands 6 feet tall and was selected fifth overall in 2021. He has amassed a solid 15 points in 10 games in the AHL, indicating that he truly belongs in the NHL.
His offensive production in the NHL is quite interesting with 59 points in 130 games, despite his relatively low ice time. His production per 60 minutes of play places him among the elite in the Bettman circuit.
The Blue Jackets and the Montreal Canadiens have been linked in trade rumors for several weeks. It will be interesting to see if this leads to anything...
The question on everyone's lips... What would the price be to acquire Kent Johnson?
Credit: DansLesCoulisses
Kent Johnson is a better fit than Trevor Zegras and Martin Necas for the CH
Kent Johnson is a better fit than Trevor Zegras and Martin Necas for the CH
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 222 ANSWERS A Blue Jackets player in the spotlight of Kent Hughes and it's not Patrik Laine In addition to a first-round pick in 2025, which player would you be willing to give up for the services of Kent Johnson? | ||
| Jordan Harris | 159 | 71.6 % |
| Jayden Struble | 45 | 20.3 % |
| Lane Hutson | 4 | 1.8 % |
| Logan Mailloux | 14 | 6.3 % |
| List of polls | ||