Top 5 Calder Trophy Candidates at the End Of November

Kent Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson has been the second-best rookie in the league. In his rookie campaign, he has produced five goals and six assists for 11 points in 18 games.

The Blue Jackets are in last place in the Metropolitan Division with a 7-12-2 record with no fault to Johnson.

Johnson is tied for third in goals for rookies, second in rookie scoring, tied for second in rookie power play goals, and sixth in shooting percentage for rookies at 22.7%. If it were not for Beniers, Johnson would lead the Calder race this season.

Columbus has been known as a team with a need for scoring and Johnson helps fill that void.  A skilled playmaker, he also has a laser shot that he uses on the rush or on his off-wing. He sees the ice well, giving him and his teammates opportunities to get creative offensively.

At 6-foot-1 and 168 pounds, Johnson has a bit of filling out to do, which will help in board battles. Drafted by Columbus fifth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, he played his college hockey with the NCAA Michigan Wolverines.

In his last five games, Johnson has two power-play goals and two assists for four points. In his last ten, he has two goals and one assist for three points.

Johnson, a native of Port Moody, British Columbia, could be that offensive weapon that turns the Blue Jackets into playoff contenders once again in the near future.