Personally, I just don't see how trading Johnson at his lowest value (hopefully) makes sense. I would only include him in a deal for an established star-level player.

Rossi being a natural center is far more important to the Wild positionally speaking. As for player skill and potential Johnston > Rossi. Yes Columbus needs a 2C but they shouldn't be trading Johnston to do that.

I wouldn’t necessarily be against this?

The old saying is Cs can play on the W, but Ws can’t play C, so I’d take the versatility of adding Rossi in that regard. If Rossi is viewed as a long-term T6 contributor, then I’m cool with it.

I think reasonable minds can differ on this, but I’d accept.

The Jackets need a C that can help anchor this team. Johnson while he has the higher ceiling, Rossi plays a more important position and can help now.

Good point.

Wasn’t Johnson drafted as a center? What am I missing?

Would have to wait until after the draft. Jackets are in a good position to take lindstrom. I would feel great about the jackets center depth if they do

You're not missing anything. KJ was drafted as a center.
Jarmo/JD have insisted since he was drafted he's going to play center.
Coaches have not played him at center.

At this point the KJ playing center thing is just a hope. He still has a high ceiling as a winger but his center development has been completely botched.

I wouldn’t be upset if it happened, but I don’t know that it’s the right choice. Also teams don’t trade guys who are rehabbing from major surgery. KJ won’t be traded this summer.

That is a good point.

Fair enough. But as someone else said, they may get a player like Lindstrom in the draft, which would strengthen their centre depth going forward immensely.

I would argue the Jackets may go defense in the draft. Silayev is a LHD that has strong defense and skates really well.

I don't hate the idea but this feels like a "if all else fails option". A decision like this comes down from the draft but really KJ is hurt...he's not getting traded this summer

The part where his shoulder got ripped off his torso on a routine draw.