Kent Johnson

Johnson was a regular for Columbus in his first NHL campaign, and one of the few bright spots in what was an otherwise horrific season. The No. 5 overall selection in 2021 posted an impressive 16 goals and 40 points (12 with the man advantage) in 79 games, in addition to finishing with the ugly plus/minus rating (minus-19) you would expect from a 20-year-old kid playing for one of the worst teams in the league. The Jackets loaded up their defense (Damon Severson, Ivan Provorov), drafted Adam Fantilli, and hired a new coach (Mike Babcock), so things are on the upswing in Columbus. That could pay huge dividends for the supremely talented Johnson, who is a late-round guy in standard fantasy formats but an elite long-term asset in keeper and dynasty leagues.

Johnson started last season at the University of Michigan and finished the year with Columbus. In between, he played for the Canadian Olympic team. He has since played for Canada at the World Championship and the delayed and since completed 2022 World Juniors. Johnson, the fifth-overall pick in 2021, is one of the most gifted offensive prospects in the NHL. He's an excellent puck handler and dynamic in open space. It would be great to see the Blue Jackets insert him on their top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine in 2022-23. While that seems unlikely to happen, Columbus is going to have to figure out a way to ensure Johnson gets significant ice time all season long.