Johnson, Jackets ink ELC

[Brewin Flames]

Johnson signs contract with Blue Jackets, was No. 5 pick in 2021 Draft

Michigan forward scored 37 points, expected to join Columbus on Monday

NHL.com @NHLdotcom

 

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Kent Johnson signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday that begins this season. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 19-year-old sophomore forward from the University of Michigan was selected by the Blue Jackets with the No. 5 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He was tied for fourth on Michigan with 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists) in 32 games. 

 

Johnson is expected to join the Blue Jackets on Monday. Columbus plays the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday.

 

"Kent Johnson is a remarkable young man both on and off the ice," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "He is a highly-skilled and creative player who can bring you out of your seat whenever he's on the ice. We're thrilled that he is taking the next step in his career and look forward to his growth and contributions as a Blue Jacket for years to come."

 

 

Michigan's season ended with a 3-2 overtime loss against Denver on Thursday in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinal round in Boston.

In two seasons with Michigan, Johnson scored 64 points (17 goals, 47 assists) in 58 games.

 

Johnson scored one goal in two games for Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship before the tournament was postponed due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. He scored five points (one goal, four assists) in five games at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

 

The Blue Jackets also signed undrafted defenseman Nick Blankenburg to a one-year, entry-level contract for the remainder of the season. The Michigan captain scored 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in 38 games in his senior season.

 

Blankenburg, 23, scored 68 points (25 goals, 43 assists) in 133 games with Michigan from 2018-22. He is expected to join the Blue Jackets on Monday.

"We watched Michigan a lot this season and each time came away more and more impressed by Nick and the way he plays the game," Kekalainen said.

 

"He is a talented, smart, really competitive player with great leadership qualities and we are thrilled to welcome him to our organization."