Columbus Blue Jackets Call Top Prospect Back Up

Kent Johnson was loaned by the Columbus Blue Jackets to the AHL earlier this week, but now the top prospect has been called right back up to the NHL squad.

Johnson's "demotion" was solely due to the fact that the Blue Jackets needed to bring up a goalie due to Elvis Merzlikins coming down with an illness. As a result, Jet Greaves was called up, but now he is heading right back to the Cleveland Monsters.

Patrik Laine getting injured also likely played a role in Johnson immediately getting called back up to the club. If Laine has to miss time, it could result in Johnson receiving notable minutes in the process. The 2021 fifth-overall pick appeared in nine games last season with the Blue Jackets, where he had three assists and a plus-2 rating. Let's see how he builds off of this solid start in 2022-23.