Johnson had two assists in Friday's 7-3 loss to Providence during his AHL debut.

EDGE Analysis

After being selected fifth overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Johnson went straight from the University of Michigan to the Blue Jackets in April of 2022. He had 16 goals and 24 assists in 79 NHL games last season, but he has struggled so far this year. The Blue Jackets demoted him to Cleveland on Friday to try to help him regain some confidence, and per Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch, the organization's plan for Johnson is to have him focus on getting stronger and better adapted to the rigors of pro hockey. "It's a matter of, physically, we have a plan for him to get stronger and more strength in the 1-on-1 battles," Jackets coach Pascal Vincent said Friday. "That's going to take time, but he's a guy that takes it very seriously. So, we have big plans for 'KJ.' I think he's going to be a hell of a player."