Kent Johnson
The one position that the Calgary Flames have been seeking for years now has been centre, and while the team now have Morgan Frost locked into a middle-six role, they're still looking for their 1C of the future. That position may be filled through the draft or free agency, but given their significant draft capital, they've also got the ability to take a chance on potential.
The perfect representation of that failed potential thus far is former No. 5 overall pick Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who has failed to live up to expectations early in his NHL career. Despite playing in 274 games over the past five seasons, Johnson is still just 23-years of age, with his career high in goals (24) and points (57) coming in 2024/25 through 68 games.
However, he took a major step back this past season, picking up just 7 goals and 22 points, and with Rick Bowness taking over in Columbus, his role is likely to shrink following this major lack of production. Given that he plays centre, there's definitely a chance that Johnson may be out of the Flames price range, but if there's a chance they can land the 23-year old, he could thrive with a change of scenery.
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