Brutal Done Deal: Bruins Sign Former 2-Time Stanley Cup Champion Forward

After weeks of anticipation, veteran forward Tyler Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins for the 2024-25 season on Monday. The 34-year-old, who had been on a professional tryout (PTO) with Boston, agreed to a $775,000 deal after waiting patiently for an open roster spot since the end of training camp and preseason. Reflecting on the waiting period, Johnson told the *Boston Globe*, “It wasn’t the most fun experience. I hate watching hockey, so to sit that long and not be part of it was tough. It’s nice to be back.” Johnson made his Bruins debut on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, logging 14 minutes on the ice, including nearly three minutes on the power play, in Boston’s 4-0 loss to their divisional rivals. He joins the Bruins with extensive experience, tallying 193 goals and 431 points across 738 regular-season games before Tuesday’s game, and brings with him two Stanley Cup championships from his tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. After spending the last three seasons with the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks, Johnson explained his focus on joining a playoff-bound team. “That was the biggest thing for me,” he said about signing with Boston. “And the Boston organization is just top-notch… from the first day I got here, I knew I wanted to be here.”

Head coach Jim Montgomery is sure Johnson will add more than just offensive depth to Boston’s lineup. “Energy, poise, wisdom, and just game management,” Montgomery explained. “He is going to make plays. He will be able to aid us on the bench. “Just another veteran voice who has won a few Cups.”