| Kent Johnson | Trail Smoke Eaters | BCHL | L | F | 6’1″ | 168 | Michigan | 2020 | North Vancouver, BC | 2002 | 2020-2021: A |
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, November 2020: Kent is simply an incredibly creative hockey player. His eyes are always up so he’s able to see plays developing early and he has the smooth first touch that makes everything work. As a puck carrier, he’s just plain deadly on a line rush. He changes speeds so seamlessly that defenders get caught in no man’s land, then he gets them leaning and can literally make their heads spin. And once you’re leaning he moves the puck so quickly that his linemates always seem to have extra time and space. Kent’s poise makes him deadly on the power play and his anticipation makes him an excellent penalty killer. I honestly believe that with the full crew at Michigan he has a chance to lead the NCAA in scoring… even if it was a regular year.
Scouting Report, February 2020 (Ian Moran): (1) Brain – Kent has an elite offensive mind and is fearless. He has the ability to create space on tight gaps as well as from behind the goal line. (2) Vision & Poise – Can see plays developing very early and often times seems to have eyes in the back of his head. (3) Feet – He is very quick laterally and has high end straight ahead speed. He can generate tremendous speed coming out of tight turns or cross overs. (4) Compete & Effort – When the puck is on his stick or there is an opportunity to score Kent smells blood and will not be out worked. (5) Contact or Physicality – He does not shy away from contact and will fight for ice in front of the net. He is a weapon on the cycle. (6) Release – NHL release right now. (7) One Timer Ability – Kent can fire poor passes as well as the perfect pass. He is a threat to score off of any type of pass. (8) Body Language – Only Note Extremes. (9) Special Teams Potential – Kent has the physical skills and offensive mind to play anywhere on an NHL power play. (10) Intangibles – As a late 2002, he will have an opportunity to play himself into a top 10 2021 Draft selection… if not higher.
World Junior A Challenge Update, December 2019: (F, L, 5’11”, 155, Trail Smoke Eaters, 10/18/2002, Michigan)- Johnson was among the most skilled players in this tournament. His offensive abilities are great–with high-level play making and vision, as well as elite hands. He seemed to make plays from nothing offensively, and while he tried some things that were a bit out there–the ones that worked were impressive. He scored on a nice move to the five-hole on his backhand on a breakaway, and had nice PP assist both in the comeback effort versus the Czech Republic. The left shot forward is 6’1, and not draft eligible until 2021. Grade: B+