Photo: Rich Gagnon / UND athletics
Washington Capitals defensive prospect Brent Johnson, selected in the third round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, entered the transfer portal for college players on March 20. Johnson most recently played for the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the past two seasons, but his ice time greatly diminished.
Mike McMahon of College Hockey News is reporting that Johnson has decided to transfer to Ohio State.
North Dakota (D) Brent Johnson is headed to Ohio State out of the transfer portal. High upside player. 3rd round pick of the Washington Capitals.
— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) April 15, 2023
Johnson was generally in the lineup for North Dakota in October and the early part of November, but after suffering from an illness in late November, had trouble getting back in the lineup. He played on December 2 against St. Cloud State, but never played again in a regular season game.
According to Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald, Johnson was considered to have high-end offensive abilities and could generate scoring chances through his skating and stickhandling. However, his issues on defense left him at No. 8 on UND’s depth chart for the second half of the season. The Fighting Hawks played him in an exhibition game on New Year’s Eve but, as he had issues on defense, opted to go with a more defensive lineup.
For the 2022-23 season, Johnson played in 13 games, scored one goal, and recorded five assists. He was +5 for the season. He took 13 shots on goal and blocked eight shots. He took three minor penalties for the season. In 2021-22, he played in 23 games, scored two goals and recorded three assists. He had 14 shots on goal and had blocked eight shots.
The Capitals now have three defensive prospects playing in the Big 10; Ryan Chesley (Minnesota), David Gucciardi (Michigan State) and now Johnson at Ohio State.
By Jon Sorensen