The high-upside reason the Rangers should trade for Kent Johnson

The New York Rangers are currently embarking on a retool, not a rebuild. While this upcoming NHL trade deadline should see them sell high on some assets like Vincent Trocheck, they also need to be aggressive in bringing talent in. One such player who should be on the Rangers' radar was just a healthy scratch, and he might be primed for a change of scenery.

Why the Rangers should kick the tires on Kent Johnson

The Broadway Blueshirts have just started a strategic pivot after releasing the "Letter 2.0," making it clear that they aren't looking to complete a full-blown burn it down rebuild. The recent departure of key pieces such as Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and Jacob Trouba over the last 18 months validates that the current core has hit its expiration date.

This creates a scenario where the Blueshirts need to be buying while they sell. Chris Drury's vision requires high-ceiling young talent that can provide immediate skill while growing into the next era of the franchise.

Enter Kent Johnson.

Johnson was a healthy scratch for Columbus on Saturday, a move head coach Rick Bowness downplayed.

While the Blue Jackets are publicly insisting he remains a "big part of the future," we have seen this story play out a dozen times before. A frustrated young talent, a coach (in this case a new one) demanding more, and a front office that may eventually decide a change of scenery is the only way to salvage the asset.

For the Rangers, Johnson is the archetype of the player they should be targeting. He is 23, possesses elite vision, and most importantly is currently undervalued. The Rangers don't need another aging veteran on a bloated contract. Mike Sullivan needs young, high-upside players who have the skating and hockey IQ to execute his system at a high tempo. The Rangers recently claimed bottom six forward Tye Kartye off waivers, and while Sullivan was happy with his debut on Saturday, he's not going to be a big needle mover long term.

Johnson’s trade value may be at a temporary low, but his potential to be a key engine in Sullivan’s offense is exactly the kind of gamble that separates a stagnant organization from one that successfully retools on the fly.

The former University of Michigan Wolverine has struggled to find a consistent rhythm in Columbus, posting 18 points in 56 games this season. But anyone who has watched his trajectory knows the raw talent is there. Johnson had 40 points in his rookie season and posted 24 goals, 33 assists, and 57 points in 68 games last year.

He is a creative and cerebral playmaker and is the type of player who thrives when surrounded by high-end talent rather than the one expected to drag a struggling roster into contention. The Rangers ultimately do need some high end drivers, but for now they do need a supporting cast that has the potential to grow into more. At his peak, it is possible that Johnson is a near point per game center, and that's more than can be said for most players currently in the system. He's also got some great hands, especially during the shootout, and it's a highlight of the type of skill the Rangers could use more of.

Standing 6'0" and 170 pounds with 134 points in 254 games (0.53 points per game) he feels like a modern-day Derrick Brassard. Brassard had 169 points in 309 games (0.55 points per game) prior to his trade to the Rangers back in 2013. Perhaps this is simply the case of another young Columbus prospect in search of a new home, but there's enough there to make the analogy work.

If Drury is serious about "Letter 2.0" being a reload and not a multi-year exercise that tests the patience of the roster and the fanbase, he needs to take swings on players like Johnson. The scratch in Columbus is the opening. The question is whether Drury is bold enough to step through it and get a deal done to bring some excitement and promise to Broadway.