Johnson practiced on the top line during Thursday's practice, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was called up Thursday after Wednesday's disappointing loss in Montreal. Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent put his lines in a blender and came up with Johnson in a top-six role upon his return to Columbus following an impressive five goals and 15 points in 10 games at at AHL Cleveland. Columbus desperately needs offense, and Johnson could deliver. Vincent added that they don't want Johnson yo-yoing between the NHL and AHL, indicating he's here to stay.

Johnson was recalled from AHL Cleveland on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson seemed lost when he was sent to the minors Nov. 4, as he had only a goal and two assists in eight games. It seems the trip to the minors did wonders for the fifth overall pick in the 2021 Draft, as Johnson had five goals and 15 points in 10 games with the Monsters. The Blue Jackets are in dire need of scoring as they sit 24th in NHL scoring. Look for Johnson to get a top-nine role at this time and expect to see him as a top-six forward in the near future.

Johnson has registered five goals and 15 points in 10 games since being reassigned to AHL Cleveland, but there's still no clear timeline for his return to the Blue Jackets, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

"It's [about] getting stronger physically, and it's not his fault. He's doing everything right," Columbus coach Pascal Vincent said Friday. "He's just built that way, and now we've created [an off-ice] program for him to improve his ability to win those one-on-one battles. This is great that he's scoring goals, but it's more than points." Johnson is still only 21 and scored 40 points in 79 games as a rookie last season, so the Blue Jackets still view him as a key part of their future. It might take an injury or trade to open up a spot for him in the NHL in the short term, however.

Johnson scored two goals in Friday's game for AHL Cleveland, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was sent down to Cleveland a week ago and has already piled up two goals and five points in three AHL games, but the 2021 fifth overall pick's offensive skill has never been in question. The 21-year-old also skated at center for Cleveland on Friday, and while he'll likely be a winger in the NHL, more versatility certainly can't hurt his future outlook. Johnson's demotion was largely due to his need to get stronger on the puck and better able to handle the physical demands of the NHL, so his fast start for the Monsters may not impact how quickly he's back with Columbus. The fact that Patrik Laine returned from injured reserve Friday just further crowds the Jackets' forward ranks, and it might take a trade to open up room for Johnson once the team feels he's ready.

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."

Johnson was reassigned to AHL Cleveland on Friday,

EDGE Analysis

It's been a tough start to the season for the 21-year-old as he has a goal and two assists in eight games. Johnson was a healthy scratch twice in the early going and may need to see more ice time to regain his confidence. Johnson was also benched for the final 14 minutes Thursday against Tampa Bay after a bad turnover on the power play. The fifth overall pick in 2021, Johnson had 16 goals and 40 points in 79 NHL games last season.

Johnson scored his first goal of the season in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

On a faceoff in the Minnesota end early in the second period, Cole Sillinger won the draw and got the puck back to Johnson, who immediately ripped it top shelf over Filip Gustavsson. It's Johnson's second point in four games, and after recording 16 goals and 40 points in 79 games as a rookie last season, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft could take a step forward in his sophomore campaign as part of Columbus' young core.

Johnson will be in the lineup Saturday against the Rangers after being a healthy scratch for the Blue Jackets' season opener, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. "We just wanted more pace [from Johnson], and he brought it in practices," coach Pascal Vincent said Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The 20-year-old watched from the press box against the Flyers on Thursday, but whatever message the coaching staff was trying to send appears to have been received. Johnson scored 16 goals and 40 points in 79 games as a rookie last season, and he's expected to make his 2023-24 debut Saturday on the third line alongside Cole Sillinger -- who was taken 12th overall in the same 2021 NHL Draft in which Johnson went fifth.

Johnson logged two assists in Tuesday's 7-6 overtime win over the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson assisted on Jack Roslovic's power-play tally in the second period before setting up Boone Jenner's game-tying goal with 47 seconds remaining in the third. Johnson has demonstrated his playmaking ability recently, recording seven points (one goal, six assists) over his last seven games. The 20-year-old rookie is up to 14 goals and 22 assists through 67 games while maintaining a top-six role.

Johnson scored a goal on three shots and added two PIM in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win over the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson gave the Blue Jackets their first lead, scoring at 1:54 of the second period on a pass from Johnny Gaudreau. This was Johnson's third straight game on the scoresheet (one goal, three assists), which is his longest streak since October. The 20-year-old rookie has 14 goals, 33 points, 92 shots on net, 12 PIM and a minus-7 rating through 63 appearances.