Kent Johnson will leave the University of Michigan after signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Johnson and teammate Nick Blankenburg are expected to join Columbus Monday and could also get plugged into the lineup right away.
Johnson was the fifth pick in the 2021 draft. The skilled 19-year-old forward had 17 goals and 47 assists in his final college season and had five points in four games at the 2022 Olympics representing Canada.
The Port Moody, B.C., native was named to the Big Ten All-Rookie Team and earned after recording 27 points in 26 appearances in 2020-21. He also ranked second in rookie scoring in the Big Ten and third in the nation among freshmen in points-per-game (1.04).
“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 (with the Blue Jackets) for years to come.”
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