Top NHL insider picks Blue Jackets forward over likes of Martin Necas, Trevor Zegras for Canadiens rebuild

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Jul 16, 2024 19:30 GMT

Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic picks Kent Johnson as the top young NHL forward for the Montreal Canadiens' second line in their rebuild. Drafted fifth by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021, Johnson had limited playing time. However, in the subsequent campaign, he played in 79 games and scored 40 points. As per Duhatschek, Johnson has the potential to become a top-tier forward in the future:

"I’m picking (Kent) Johnson... Among that group, Johnson has the highest draft pedigree, is the youngest of the four, and scored 40 points for the Blue Jackets as a 20-year-old before a dismal season a year ago. I see him as having the greatest upside to be a legitimate top-six forward." [H/T The Athletic]

Duhatschek compares Kent Johnson to Martin Necas, Trevor Zegras and Kaapo Kakko.

"Necas went No. 12 in 2017, Kakko No. 2 in 2019, Zegras No. 9 in 2019 and Johnson No. 5 in 2021. Among that group, Johnson has the highest draft pedigree, is the youngest of the four, and scored 40 points for the Blue Jackets as a 20-year-old before a dismal season a year ago. I see him as having the greatest upside to be a legitimate top-six forward.

"As Montreal’s rebuild continues, he will fit better with their nucleus than the other three, even if Zegras is probably the most skilled," Duhatschek wrote. "Like Johnson, he struggled last season, but before then, he produced back-to-back 60-point seasons as a 21- and 22-year-old." [H/T The Athletic]

Duhatschek suggests Johnson may be hard to get from Columbus, as they are prioritizing his development under new coaching. Zegras' acquisition from Anaheim is uncertain due to ongoing negotiations. Necas might be available, but Carolina seeks a valuable defenseman. Kakko, less proven, could be the easiest to acquire based on scouting assessments.

Johnson is Duhatschek's top pick for Montreal's second line, fitting well into their rebuilding plans. However, the availability of each player varies, affecting Montreal's strategy for the future.

Pascal Vincent named head coach of Montreal Canadiens' AHL affiliate

On Tuesday, Pascal Vincent, with almost 30 years of coaching in QMJHL, AHL and NHL, became head coach of the Laval Rocket, the Montreal Canadiens' AHL team.

Vincent's appointment shows that the Canadiens' focus is on developing young talent. His coaching career started in 1994 with the Saint-Jean Lynx in the QMJHL. He later led teams like the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and the Montreal Juniors, tallying a 431-317-58 record in 842 games.

Vincent later moved to the AHL's Manitoba Moose, where he coached for five seasons, earning the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award in 2018 for outstanding coaching. His NHL tenure includes assistant coaching roles with the Winnipeg Jets and, more recently, the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he eventually took over as head coach for the 2023-24 season.