Calgary Flames offseason trade target: Kent Johnson

Why would the Flames trade for Johnson?

As mentioned above, Johnson hasn’t had the greatest season. He only has 6 goals and 20 points in 61 games, and is a -7. He’s served as a healthy scratch numerous times throughout the season, which has resulted in some questioning his future with the Blue Jackets.

While he’s still young, Johnson could eventually find himself at the center of even more trade rumors if he continues to struggle. When it comes to available centres on the trade market, the Flames are always going to be mentioned. Johnson would make sense as a player the Flames could pursue if he becomes available, given his age and position. He also only makes $1.8 million and is entering the final year of his deal next season.

Johnson’s fit with the Flames

Johnson would easily become the best player down the middle for the Flames. It wasn’t too long ago that the former fifth-overall pick recorded a 24-goal, 57-point season. The offensive talent is there for Johnson, and if he’s traded to a team where he can have a bigger, more consistent role, his production could skyrocket, especially if he’s given more opportunities to play centre.

Flames’ current centre depth

Morgan Frost

Mikeal Backlund

Ryan Strome

Martin Pospisil

Since the Flames are also expected to get significantly younger, Johnson would fit in perfectly as a member of the young core the team is building. Johnson would be a significant upgrade and would complement players such as Matt Coronato and Matvei Gridin.

Johnson is not a lost cause, as the talent is still there. However, in the long run, will he get the chance to fully establish himself as a top-six centre with the Blue Jackets? Or will he have to go elsewhere for that opportunity?

What would it take to acquire Johnson?

If the Flames were to consider Johnson as a trade target this summer seriously, what would it take to acquire him?

The Flames have done an amazing job of stockpiling future assets, especially after the recent MacKenzie Weegar and Nazem Kadri trades. The team now has eight selections in the first three rounds of the 2026 draft. Insane.

Now, is it likely that the Flames will use all those picks to draft players? Possibly. However, there’s also the chance that they use some picks as trade bait to either move up or to acquire certain players if it makes sense.

The Flames aren’t going to go crazy on the adding front, but if a player like Johnson became available, it would make sense for the team to look into him. In my opinion, the price for Johnson would likely be either a 1st or a 2nd plus more. The Flames could use one of their 2026 2nds, as well as maybe dip into their prospect pool. I don’t exactly see a hockey trade working in this scenario.

Either way, I’d be on board with the Flames pursuing a player like Johnson, as long as it’s for the right price. He fits the team’s timeline and would address a big need down the middle. He also seems like a player who would flourish in a bigger role, which he certainly would get in Calgary.