Blue Jackets’ Don Waddell shuts down Kent Johnson trade speculation

The Columbus Blue Jackets are still reeling from the end of their 2025-26 season. Much has been said about head coach Rick Bowness ripping into his players after a loss to the Washington Capitals. There was a ton of focus on that from general manager Don Waddell, as well. However, Waddell also took time to address the status of forward Kent Johnson.

Johnson was once one of the more promising players in the Blue Jackets’ prospect pipeline. The Michigan product put together an incredible 24-goal, 57-point season in 2024-25. And he seemed primed for a breakout in 2025-26. However, that didn’t happen, as he finished with just seven goals in 76 games.

Johnson’s name has popped up in some trade rumors as a result of this brutal performance. But Waddell clearly isn’t interested in trading the former fifth overall pick. “No, we’re not giving up and giving away 22-year old players,” the Blue Jackets general manager said, via The Hockey Writers reporter Mark Scheig.

The Blue Jackets did trade away a former first-round pick during the season. Egor Chinakov was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins this year after a trade request over the summer. Chinakov ended up discovering his game, scoring 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games.

Columbus would certainly like to avoid seeing Johnson flourish elsewhere. Especially when there is a clear belief that the Port Moody, British Columbia native could flourish in Columbus. Despite his struggles, it appears as if Johnson still has a role with the Blue Jackets for the 2026-27 NHL season.

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