1. Bio info: Despite playing college hockey for the Wolverines, Johnson hails from Canada, as he grew up in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Born Oct. 18, 2002, Johnson is a 6-foot-1, 167-pounder who was a bit of a late bloomer. Before heading to the Wolverines, he was a dominant player in the British Columbia Hockey League, not a member of the CHL but a consistent producer of talent that feeds into the college system.
Watch: Youtube Video
2. Consistent production:If there's one thing that marks Johnson's game, it's his ability to make things happen offensively. He had an excellent first season with Trail of the BCHL, notching 20 goals and 46 points in 57 games as a 16-year-old, then dominated the league in 2019-20, posting a 41-60-101 line in 52 games for the Smoke Eaters and finishing 30 points clear of anyone else in the league. This past year with the Wolverines, Johnson had nine goals and 27 points in 26 games as a freshman to place seventh in the Big Ten in points per game.
3. Skill to burn:The book on Johnson is that he brings elite skill with the puck on his stick to the game.
The Draft Prospects Hockey
draft guide says Johnson is a "puck magician" who "arguably the best hands in the draft class." The
HockeyProspect.com Black Book
notes he "can use his imagination to generate some jaw dropping plays," while analyst
Chris Peters writes
, "He's got the skill to beat defenders one-on-one, but mixes that with poise and patience to let the game come to him and exploit the openings that he finds just by holding onto the puck."
Watch: Youtube Video
4. Center or wing?The biggest question regarding Johnson will be his position down the road. He grew up playing center but had to adjust to a move to the wing this past season with the Wolverines, turning in a much stronger second half according to Michigan head coach Mel Pearson. Time will tell how things will work out, but some scouts seem to believe Johnson would be at his best down the road creating from the wing, but he certainly offers versatility.
5. What's next:It seems likely Johnson will return to Michigan for a second season as he continues to build his game, and it would be a great breeding ground. The Wolverines have a talented squad featuring 2021 first-round picks Johnson, Owen Power, Matty Beniers and Luke Hughes, plus 2020 picks Brendan Brisson and Thomas Bordeleau and incoming freshmen Dylan Duke and Mackie Samoskevitch, who will be taken later in this year's draft. It's as good a pro incubator as one can find, with Johnson someone who could start a pro career after this year and arrive in the NHL two to three years down the road.
