Former Wolverines Kent Johnson and Nick Blankenburg each made their NHL debuts on Wednesday night for the Columbus Blue Jackets, helping the team to a 5-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Johnson was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in last year's NHL Draft, and signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Blue Jackets following the conclusion of the 2021-22 college hockey season.

Johnson spent 11:05 on the ice, and finished the game with a hit. The 19-year-old rookie did commit a tripping penalty in the third period, but the Blue Jackets were able to kill it.

Blankenburg, unlike Johnson, wasn't drafted to the NHL. The former Wolverine captain signed a one-year entry-level deal with the Blue Jackets after his time at Michigan came to an end.

The 23-year-old was on the ice for 16:46 in his first-ever game and had a very productive night. Blankenburg recorded an assist in the third period, marking his first-ever NHL point.

Blankenburg also added a hit and a team-high five blocked shots in the dominant win over the Canadiens. He was also honored in the locker room following the victory.

A number of former Michigan teammates made the trip to Columbus to support the two rookies.