Kane Johnson (C, L, 6’1″, 182, Dubuque Fighting Saints, 02/12/2008)
Kane Johnson is a competitive, physically mature left-shot center currently playing middle-six minutes for Dubuque, averaging 11:27 of ice time per game. Through early season action, he has recorded 1G, 2A, and 17 PIMs. His combination of size, strength, and straight line pace allows him to play a pro-style direct game. While still developing his execution and discipline, Johnson continues to show flashes of legitimate two-way potential with the raw physical tools to translate to higher levels.
Skating and Mobility
Kane is a strong, upright skater who generates above average power through his stride. He displays a quick burst when accelerating, particularly noticeable when he attacks the net from below the goal line or pushes through the neutral zone with possession. His stride mechanics are clean and (when engaged)he can separate from defenders with one or two strong crossovers. He shows good agility for his frame, able to adjust his routes and use his edges to close space or retrieve loose pucks effectively. Continued development of his explosiveness will be key to unlocking a more consistent transition threat at higher levels.
Puck Skills and Playmaking
Johnson’s hands are functional and efficient, not flashy. He handles bouncing pucks cleanly in stride and makes firm, accurate passes through tight seams. His 85% pass-completion rate shows room for improvement, especially puck protection when heavy under pressure. He has the ability to attack the royal road on a line rush, often preferring the pass first option to create Grade-A looks for teammates. His ability to recover and quickly move pucks after gaining possession (2 recoveries per game following shots) is a strength, allowing his line to sustain offensive-zone time and build positive momentum. At times, he can overhandle the puck instead of making the simple next option, leading to unnecessary giveaways, which must change for him to be trusted in more situational minutes.
Shooting and Scoring Touch
Kane’s release is compact and powerful. His wrist shot comes off his blade with pace and accuracy, and he’s shown the ability to beat goaltenders from the slot or off the rush. When he gets pucks into shooting lanes, he can be dangerous. His mechanics are clean, and his upper-body strength allows him to generate velocity without a wind-up. The next step is to shoot more; he often looks to make the perfect play when opportunities to finish are right in front of him.
Defensive Play and Awareness
Defensively, Johnson uses his strength and an active stick effectively. He tracks back hard, maintains shooting lanes, and has shown a willingness to get big low to block shots. His stick positioning is sound and he reads developing plays well. His 53% puck-battle win rate is solid and he shows an understanding of low support in his own zone. His 1.25 takeaways per game are below average for a center. We feel he can improve on timing and anticipation when closing space to create transition. He’s shown reliable defensive effort but still needs to improve his reads in transition coverage and defensive-zone spacing.
Physicality and Competitiveness
Physical engagement is a major part of Kane’s identity. He uses his frame effectively to separate opponents from pucks and to protect possession down low. He finishes checks with purpose and isn’t afraid to play inside the dots. His 17 penalty minutes show that his physicality can sometimes cross the line, often stemming from over-aggressive board battles and truthfully we feel this is a positive that separates him from his peers. He brings a valuable power-forward presence capable of changing momentum through his compete level alone.
Hockey Sense and Intangibles
Johnson processes the game well when play slows down. He identifies open ice, supports teammates, and adjusts off puck movement effectively. His compete level is consistent, and he plays with a genuine desire to impact the game. At times, he can rush decisions or force high-risk passes rather than simplify and extend possession. His ability to adapt quickly to game flow and make subtle in game adjustments has been noticeable since his national tournament performances.
Projection
With continued growth in puck management, discipline, and faceoff ability (currently 39%), Johnson projects as a bottom-six, two-way center who can play heavy, penalty-kill minutes and bring secondary offensive contributions. His combination of size, strength, and motor provides an NHL-style foundation, but he must improve his decision-making and efficiency to realize that upside.
Summary
Kane Johnson has the physical tools, compete level, and shot mechanics to develop into a valuable depth center at the professional level. His battle win rate (53%), defensive awareness, and ability to recover pucks are strong positives, while his faceoffs and turnover rate remain focal points for improvement. Continued physical maturity, skating development and puck protection efficiency will determine his trajectory.
Current Draft Grade: College Free Agent
Projection: Bottom-six NHL center / PK contributor
Comparable Path: Physical, north south USHL forward with potential to play a responsible role in the NCAA and grow into a pro-supporting center.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images