Kent Johnson was scratched again in Columbus and the Maple Leafs have everything they need to steal him

Former first round pick Kent Johnson may be on the way out as the former fifth overall pick sat as a healthy scratch Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens.

Johnson, 23, has seven goals, 14 assists, & 21 points in 68 games played this season, far below his previous totals from 24 goals and 57 points in 2024-25.

It isn't the only time this season that Johnson has been scratched, and a change of scenery is beginning to look more likely.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could use some youth in their system, and Kent Johnson is a potential high-upside reclamation move for the team to make.

Johnson still has value as a recent top-five pick who can play both at center and on the wing, and only a season removed from over 20 goals and 50 points.

Still, the offense drying up, just one goal since the beginning of February, provides concern. But at best, he could return to his old self on a new team.

Columbus has deep center depth with Adam Fantilli and Sean Monahan as their top-six centermen. Bottom-six centers Charlie Coyle and Boone Jenner are pending UFA's, but one or both re-signing is a barrier for Johnson to move up in the Blue Jackets lineup.

Often playing under 15 minutes a night, Toronto has the need for an impact forward to give Johnson more time, and a bigger role that could unlock his offense yet again.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could have Kent Johnson fill the role in the top-six at left wing, with chances to play down the middle on the third line as well.

Johnson could take on a spot similar to Bobby McMann, or be a replacement to Max Domi if he walks after this season. In the end, the successor for John Tavares at 2C behind Auston Matthews.

Kent Johnson has a contract of $1.8M until the end of next season, and as an RFA has more control on Toronto's end. As an outcast in the Columbus lineup, he could be a buy-low option like Matias Maccelli last offseason.

For a team like Toronto needing some bargain scoring depth, Johnson could be that fit, unless the Leafs goal is to play it safe. But Johnson brings something Toronto urgently needs, a youth energy.

Not even in his prime, Kent Johnson has shown he can be a top-six center, but without the chance to do so in Columbus, the Toronto Maple Leafs could swoop in for a player who has shown he can be a top forward.

Johnson is the type of reclamation project that transforms a rebuild and Toronto has the cap space, the roster need, and the opportunity. The only question is whether Brad Treliving moves fast enough to get him.

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