The Blue Jackets announced Thursday that they’ve activated ahead Kent Johnson from injured reserve. He’ll return to the lineup Thursday in opposition to the Lightning after lacking 14 video games with a shoulder damage.
Johnson, 22, was amongst many Columbus skaters restricted by shoulder points early within the season. Captain Boone Jenner suffered an damage after crashing into the boards in follow throughout coaching camp, whereas defenseman Erik Gudbranson hit IR after simply three video games.
He’s the one one of many three to not require surgical procedure, although, that means his return comes months forward of when Gudbranson and Jenner are anticipated to be out there. It’s good news for the 2021 No. 5 total decide, who had two targets and three assists in his first 4 outings earlier than exiting the lineup.
It was an encouraging begin for the winger, who’s coming off a disappointing sophomore marketing campaign in 2023-24. After a 16-goal, 40-point rookie marketing campaign, Johnson struggled with inconsistency early within the 12 months earlier than a labrum tear ended his season in February. He managed solely six targets and 16 factors in 42 appearances.
Johnson will go well with up because the staff’s second-line proper wing alongside Adam Fantilli and James van Riemsdyk in his return, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers relayed. He’s additionally anticipated to take reps on their first power-play unit with Kirill Marchenko, Sean Monahan, Dmitri Voronkov and Zach Werenski.
The Blue Jackets have two open roster spots, so no corresponding transaction is important. Johnson is within the first season of a three-year, $5.4M pact he signed final summer time after changing into a restricted free agent.
