Columbus Blue Jackets: Will We See Ryan Johansen in Union Blue Next Season?

In 2007, the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League drafted 15-year-old Ryan Johansen with the 150th overall pick.

Johansen, at the time, had been offered a athletic scholarship to play for Northeastern University and to protect his NCAA eligibility, opted to join the British Columbia Hockey League for the 2008-2009 season and play for the Penticton Vees.

The Winterhawks, convinced of Johansen's ability and potential, persuaded him to forgo playing in the NCAA and to join the team for upcoming season in 2009.

This would prove to benefit the Winterhawks as well as Johansen as he finished the season with 25 points and 69 points in only 71 games.

He was second among league rookies behind Kevin Connauton, who was previously drafted by the Vancouver Canucks.

With a stellar rookie season, Johansen found himself climbing in the prospect rankings with the 2010 NHL Entry Draft on the horizon.

Coaches praised his speed, as well as his playmaking ability and vision on the ice, but felt that he needed to show more consistency and physicality.

The Columbus Blue Jackets saw enough in Johansen to draft him with the fourth overall pick in last year's draft. He would later sign a three-year entry-level contract in September 2010.

Many fans thought Johansen had what it takes to make an immediate impact for the Blue Jackets, but unfortunately, he did not make the team's roster for the 2010-2011 season. Johansen would join the Winterhawks for another season.

Throughout the 2010-2011 WHL season, Johansen has shown plenty of consistency. In only 63 games for the Winterhawks, he has registered 40 goals, as well as 52 assists.

This would continue into the WHL playoffs, as he leads the team in scoring (13), as well as points (28).

The Winterhawks are currently in the WHL Championship series against the Kootenay Ice. Scouts that have been in attendance have said that Johansen has been a beast on the ice.

So what are the chances that we see Johansen in a Blue Jackets uniform next season?

General manager Scott Howson stated in an end of the year interview that there is a possibility that Jacket fans see Johansen in Columbus next season.

He also stated that Johansen would have to add some strength and stamina in the offseason before the summer camps begin.

Johansen had an outstanding year last year with Portland, but there still could be some hesitation to call him up.

One reason to not bring Johansen to Columbus is that he is still young, at only 18. However, in the National Hockey League, age is just a number as a lot of top prospects have entered the league and found success before turning 20.

Just look at the top two picks from the same draft Johansen was selected, in Taylor Hall (Edmonton) and Tyler Seguin (Boston). Both are 19 and found success at the highest level this season.

Another problem with bringing Johansen up is the fact that the Blue Jackets are not lacking at the center position.

With players like Derick Brassard, Antoine Vermette, Sami Pahlsson and Derek MacKenzie already on the roster and General Manager Scott Howson looking for a top line center to play alongside captain Rick Nash, finding a spot for Johansen could be tough.

Having Johansen wait another year and play in the AHL could be a smart move. He could continue to develop his skills as he is not even close to reaching his prime.

However, the idea of a player of Johansen's caliber sitting in wait has to have the Blue Jackets coaching staff salivating at the opportunity of seeing what he could bring to the table.

Regardless of the decision that is made, the future looks bright for the Columbus Blue Jackets.