What a difference one offseason can make.
For Kent Johnson, truer words have never been spoken. Coming off a brutal end to his 2023-24 season thanks to injury, he spent the offseason in rehab while placing an emphasis on getting stronger.
It didn’t take general manager Don Waddell very long to see what kind of player Johnson was. Despite not having the best first couple of seasons in the NHL, the Blue Jackets identified him as an important part of their core moving forward. The three-year contract he signed was proof of that.
This reinvigorated Johnson on multiple levels. The belief in him coupled with a fresh start under new leadership has translated into a hot start to his 2024-25 season.
Although Johnson is just getting back from an upper-body injury, he’s making a big impact every time he steps on the ice. In his six games, he has nine points and has at least a point in every game this season.
But it’s his work in the offseason and off the ice that has really helped position himself for early success in the new season. Johnson stopped by this week to discuss his great start to the 2024-25 season.
The tape now shows he is a much different player than what we’ve seen before.
What Stands Out
In watching back Johnson’s shifts, four key themes stand out. He’s never been more confident. He’s never been stronger. He’s never been faster. And his hockey IQ is shining.
Johnson admitted that his confidence comes from a combination of things. He’s no longer afraid to make a mistake now. That’s been a key point early on under head coach Dean Evason.
“Ice time and getting better in the summer,” Johnson said about his soaring confidence. “I think I’m a better player than last year. I still had confidence last year in my game. But if you turn one puck over and you’re not going to play, you really can’t take risks offensively. You have another role like last year, my role most of the year was more of a third liner.”
Johnson came into camp noticeably stronger. The one thing he was able to do while in rehab was focus on getting stronger. He came in at 180 pounds but you could see the work he put in. That along with increased quickness has helped him get off to this great start.
“I think I got better balance on the puck and a little quicker. Definitely a lot quicker actually,”…
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