LA Kings: First round targets if NHL Draft started today, Part II
In Part Two of our series, we look at players the LA Kings should draft if the season were to end today. Up next, Michigan’s Kent Johnson.
If you missed Part One of our series, I encourage you to go back and review that before proceeding. Next, we turn our attention to another player the LA Kings should target in the first round: Michigan’s Kent Johnson.
Kent Johnson, C/LW
Vitals
- Age: 18
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 165 lbs
- Shot: L
Rankings
- Ranked #7 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
- Ranked #8 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
- Ranked #9 by FCHOCKEY
- Ranked #7 by NEUTRAL ZONE
- Ranked #11 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
- Ranked #7 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
- Ranked #10 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
- Ranked #6 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
- Ranked #10 by SMAHT SCOUTING
- Ranked #6 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
- Ranked #8 by TSN/McKenzie
Scouting Report
Michigan’s NCAA Tournament came to a premature end before they even played a game. Having been able to keep COVID out of the locker room in the new year, Michigan had to pull out of the tournament the day of their first game due to health and safety protocols. Johnson had a solid season where he was able to showcase his video game-like ability with the puck. He was just over a point-per-game player with Michigan putting up 27 points in 26 games. He may be one of the most highlight-heavy prospects in the class and there are some areas of improvement in terms of pace and skating paths that he will need to work on but the fact of the matter is that he has an enticing upside with his skill and swagger. Where he goes will dictate how well he’s developed with a good development system being necessary for Johnson reaching his full potential. Dobber Prospects/Ferrari Johnson has made the transition from the BCHL to the NCAA appear seamless. Skating on an extremely exciting third line alongside fellow-2021 draft-eligible, Matt Beniers, Johnson has recorded seven points through his first four games. It certainly isn’t hurting matters that the University of Michigan squad is exceptionally skilled this season, but the 18-year-old has been making high-level plays. He doesn’t own burning speed, but he’s smart, shifty, and boasts excellent puck skills. This year’s forward group is lacking a standout so it’ll be a dogfight to see which one hears his name called first. Johnson’s start has put him right in that mix. Dobber Prospects/Robinson
Production
- 19-20: 41G, 60A, 14 PIM in 52 games for the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL, serving as the team’s alternate captain
- 2021: 9 G, 18 A, 4 PIM, +16 in 26 games for Michigan
Video
Pro Comparison
Final Thoughts
I know what you’re thinking. Another center? Stay with me.
If the Kings are picking from about the seventh overall spot, there’s a good chance that Owen Power, Luke Hughes, Simon Edvinsson, and depending on how desperate teams get, Brandt Clarke are all off the board.
The Kings could certainly trade back and grab someone like Carson Lambos to shore up their future blueline, but they might be inclined to take the best player on the board where they’re at. And that guy would be Kent Johnson.
They could also trade up to grab one of the aforementioned names, but let’s stay on track here.
The North Vancouver, B.C., native’s play jumps off the screen with skilled puck-handling, terrific vision, and a wicked backhanded shot. He could stand to put on a few pounds, but that should come as he continues to physically mature. That said, Johnson holds his own, jockeying for position in front of opposing netminders and does a lot of the dirty work in front of the goal.
Johnson’s numbers speak for themselves. He was a point-per-game player in his freshman year on a very talented Michigan squad. Of note, three of his nine goals this past season came on the powerplay.