Ryan Johansen

[TheFiveHoleExpress]

Have you guys been tracking this guy in Portland....Rediculous!!!!!

51 33 37 70 +34 PLUS 34!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats in 51 games!!!!!

[dasnut]

Yeah, I saw those numbers...I'm way too excited for his first rookie year in Cbus (whether it's next year or in two years).  When we drafted him I was really ecstatic (changed my profile pic that day), I was hoping someway somehow they find a way to get back into the early first round and get him after getting a Dman at the 4th pick.  When they took him at #4 I lost my friggin' mind! I really think this kid will be the center we've longed for here.  I just hope he continues to progress the proper way and helps us in the not so distant future.

As for us not getting a dman at the 4th spot, oh well, I wasn't upset one bit (no one predicted they would pick him over a Dman).  I think we have a really good core talent of blueliners in the system right now and they're finally bringing the youth of this organization up the right way and not forcing them to play in the big leagues when they're not ready.

My post April 19, 2010 "Draft Day Decisions":

If we were to get Gudbranson, then the next player to be selected would become even more interesting.  I read the central scouting rankings and looked into the center Ryan Johansen.  Although I doubt we would get him, I certainly would LOVE to see Howson make a move in the first round to get this kid.  With Brassard & Vermette, we would have our #1 & #2 centers for next year.  Yet the one thing this team has always lacked is a franchise type center (even though some believe Brassard still can fit that bill, I'm not so believing to this point) especially one that is of the size and stature of Rick Nash.

I've always believed Nash is better suited to play with another big power center like a Thornton or Getzlaf. Ryan Johansen seems to be the best center available that could possibly fit that mold.  I would love to see Howson use some type of trade to get another first round pick to get a big center like Ryan.  I just do not know when that draft pick would happen in the first round.  Maybe trade our first 2nd round pick and a player/prospect to another team to get a mid-first rounder to get Johansen.  Just a thought.

[CORUPTWJ]

I didn't know that much about the kid when we drafted him other than it surpised a lot of people.  Seeing his numbers that he has put up this year is quite amazing.  Hopefully he is playing in Springfield next season and we can see what he can do there.  If he starts tearing it up in the AHL, I wouldn't be surprised to see him called up for some NHL time that season.

I just hope he continues to develop into the #1 center it sounds like he should be.

[jackets 4 life]

It certainly is exciting, and I can only imagine that another off-season of growing in strength and skill will enable him to perform extremely well in Springfield and eventually for Columbus (especially if the injury bug hits next season at a given time). I guess we'll have to keep our eyes on this guy, I'm thinking he could turn out to be the best draft pick we've had in a long time, but only time will tell.

[CanadianJacketsFan]

http://portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=129849912603083100

“Statistically, his numbers are not great (this year), but he has produced more in the last little while,” says Johnston, referring to Johansen’s 18 points in the seven games preceding Wednesday’s game. “Both ends of the rink he has been outstanding. He’s a guy who does a little bit of everything.”

His numbers have been really impressive since returning from the world juniors, he actually wasn't producing a whole lot before the break. Great to see him evolve into a leader on that team, hopefully he and Nino can take them deep into the playoffs this year so he can gain some more experience playing high pressure games.

[Coluejack]

Johansen was a monster when he returned from the worlds..  He's been huge in the playoffs for Portland as well.

I really think another year in the W would be a huge waste.  He's got the size and he's had a huge year.  I don't see him getting outplayed this coming fall in training camp. 

It'll be interesting to see who makes a bigger splash, Johansen or Kubalik.