Dramatic turn for the 5th overall pick live from Columbus and a trade: Kent Hughes and the Canadiens need to watch Kent Johnson

Just like it happened in the past with players like Seth Jones and Pierre-Luc Dubois, there's some stirring between the Blue Jackets and an excellent young player.

We're talking about Kent Johnson, the outstanding 5th overall pick of 2021. (1st round)

Take a look at a summary of his start to the season with the Jackets.

He was taken out of their lineup twice (healthy scratch).

He changed agents, moving to a firm that is notably very strong on trade demands.

And now he has just been sent down to the AHL, which is causing huge surprise.

Wow! A young team like the Montreal Canadiens absolutely must inquire.

Johnson has indeed been demoted.

Why is it such a big surprise and why is it creating so much buzz?

Because it's extremely rare to see a youngster establish themselves in the NHL at only 20 years old, play 96 NHL games without ever going to the AHL, and then suddenly get demoted two years later.

That's what just happened with Kent Johnson.

Johnson collected a solid 16 goals and 40 points last season at 19 years old in Columbus.

This season, he has three points in 8 games despite spending numerous periods on the bench and having limited playing time.

The talent is there, but it doesn't seem to be working out in Columbus. He could benefit so much from a head coach like Martin St-Louis.

If Johnson truly becomes available on the trade market, do you think Kent Hughes should inquire?

He has a lot of potential: