The recent NHL trade rumors surrounding Columbus Blue Jackets’ forward Kent Johnson have caught the attention of hockey fans and NHL Insiders alike. Despite a promising rookie season, Johnson’s demotion to the AHL seemed to spark rumors and concerns about his future with the Jackets.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline noted this move, alongside Johnson’s decision to change agents, might be unsettling for Blue Jackets fans. Yet, the sentiment within the Jackets’ organization seems to be one of confidence. Head coach Pascal Vincent expressed a belief in Johnson’s potential, predicting that he would become an elite player in the NHL due to his continuous progression​​.
Will the Columbus Blue Jackets trade Kent Johnson?
Kent Johnson’s choice of new representation could be seen as another piece of this puzzle. He is now represented by Pat Brisson of CAA, a superagent known for his high-profile clientele, including former Blue Jackets Pierre-Luc Dubois and Seth Jones, both of whom requested trades out of Columbus. Despite the potential alarm bells, Brisson has clarified that this change is not indicative of Johnson’s relationship with the Jackets​​.
The speculations surrounding a potential “Kent Johnson trade” may be fuelled by the history of his new agent with previous Jackets players, yet nothing concrete has indicated a desire for a trade from Johnson’s camp. The situation is reminiscent of other dramatic turns in the franchise’s history but remains speculative at this point​.
The overall narrative suggests that Johnson’s demotion is a developmental step rather than a prelude to trade, and his representation change does not inherently signal a desire to leave Columbus. His previous performance, where he scored 16 goals and 40 points, demonstrates his capability and value to the team, likely reinforcing the Blue Jackets’ intention to retain him​.
Fans and experts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how Johnson’s season in the AHL unfolds and what implications it may have for his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
