RUMOR: Top Five Pick Requesting Trade Soon?

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Dawson McKenzie
November 2, 2023 (11:49)

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A recent rumour has been circulating about a top-5 NHL draft pick requesting a trade from this team.

NHL Insider Reveals Blue Jackets At Risk of Losing Top Pick

Elliotte Friedman recently revealed in 32 Thoughts that there is a potential risk of losing Kent Johnson. Johnson was the Blue Jackets' 5th pick in the 2021 entry draft. This season, he has been scratched twice in the first seven games. While that isn't necessarily worrisome for Blue Jackets fans, the stress comes from who he is represented by.

Johnson is now represented by CAA, the same agency that represents Pierre-Luc Dubois and Seth Jones, players who requested out of Columbus.

Columbus's Kent Johnson is now represented by CAA. Johnson was scratched twice in the first seven games, and, like many young, talented players, is still finding his way.It happens. There's no reason for the Blue Jackets or their fans to panic right now, but what raised eyebrows is CAA's represented a couple of players who have asked out of Ohio - Pierre-Luc Dubois and Seth Jones. Johnson needs to recognize there are things he must do to make it

Johnson Needs To Figure His Game Out First

While many things have changed in Columbus since Dubois and Jones have left, this is still something to worry about for the Blue Jackets. Johnson, while young, had a pretty successful season last year, putting up 16 goals and 24 assists for 40 points in his first full NHL season.

This angle of Kent Johnson's Michigan goal 🍿🔥

There's no argument that the league is younger now, and young stars have more leverage than ever. While the Blue Jackets may not be willing to bend over backward for Johnson, they do risk potentially losing him to a trade request.

As seen on Sportsnet - "32 Thoughts: Senators owner Andlauer pushes back after tough penalties"