Tyler Johnson, a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning team that won back-to-back Stanley Cups, has signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins. The signing is hopeful that it will boost Boston’s offence, that has been struggling this year. Boston is struggling out of the gate, ranked 27th with 2.62 GFG. Johnson has 193 career NHL goals, and at 34 years old, can contribute in any lineup.
Tyler Johnson Contract As a Player From Undrafted to Star
Tyler Johnson went undrafted before the Lightning took a chance on the forward. He had a breakout rookie season in the 2013-14 season. He scored 24 goals and established himself on the Lightning top line. Furthermore, Johnson was a candidate for the Calder Trophy for the league’s best rookie. Johnson would come up short, as the award would go to, drum roll, Nathan MacKinnon.
Johnson would follow up his rookie season with 29 goals and his first All-Star selection in 2014-15. Additionally, Johnson was a big contributor in the Lightning’s run to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final. Johnson has earned his contracts over the years. However, a wrist injury limited Johnson’s production. In a six-game loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Johnson only had only one point.
The Tampa Bay Lightning Strikes Twice, Literally
Johnson would be part of the Lightning team that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. Johnson became the first Spokane, Washington native to win the Stanley Cup. Spokane has a long, historic hockey team, as the Chiefs have long played in the WHL. In addition, the arena, the Spokane Coliseum, is a marvel of modern architecture, dating back to the early 1950s. Hockey has been played at a high level in Spokane for a very long time.
Cap Restraints Sent Johnson to the Windy City
To combat cap restraints, the Lightning traded Johnson to the Chicago Blackhawks. After injuries (neck injury and a concussion) limited Johnson to just 26 games in 2021-22, Johnson bounced back the following two seasons. He was quite possibility an ideal piece if the Hawks puzzle, but didn’t have the durability to prove it. While Johnson’s numbers did not mirror the success he had in Tampa Bay, it is important to note the Blackhawks were in the beginning of a transition to a rebuild. It didn’t help the club’s record was not very good.
What The Johnson Contract Means For the Team
This Johnson contract is good for both sides. Johnson was a key part to the Lightning’s success of the 2010’s. At 33 years old, Johnson may be at the end of his prime years, but he can still help the Bruins move the needle. Johnson’s playoff experience will also be a big asset to the Bruins. Johnson’s three years in Chicago may have been uneventful, but he can certainly still be a difference maker. The Bruins have plenty of key pieces that are looking to get going. Charlie Coyle had 60 points last season and has two in 13 thus far. Morgan Geekie is another talented individual. He’s scored 39 points as a career-high last season, and also only has two at this point in the season.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
