DONE DEAL JUST NOW: Boston Bruins another high rated Lineup to contract deal done just now
Over the weekend, the Bruins made a smart move by signing veteran forward Tyler Johnson to a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO). Johnson, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, is 34 years old and spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. Last season, he scored 17 goals, added 14 assists, and totaled 31 points in 67 games, ranking fifth in scoring on the team.
Standing 5-foot-8 and weighing 185 pounds, Johnson is a versatile player who can play all three forward positions. He’s a proven scorer with a career total of 193 goals, 238 assists, and 431 points in 738 NHL games with Chicago and Tampa Bay. He also has significant playoff experience, with 32 goals and 65 points in 116 Stanley Cup playoff games.
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Johnson was signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning as a free agent in 2011. He was part of the famed “Triplets Line” with Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov, helping the Lightning to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.
On paper, Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney made a savvy move by adding Johnson, a proven high-impact player, at a reasonable cost. His signing gives Bruins coach Jim Montgomery a range of options as training camp begins.
Johnson effectively replaces Danton Heinen, who left for Vancouver as a free agent this offseason. However, unlike Heinen, Johnson is more of an offensive threat, having scored over 20 goals in four different seasons, including a career-high 29 goals in 2018-19. He’s also capable of surpassing 40 points in a full NHL season.
As a right-handed shooting left wing/center, Johnson could fit into various positions within the Bruins lineup. He seems well-suited for the Bruins’ checking line, potentially playing alongside sophomore center Matthew Poitras and Trent Fredric. His veteran presence could help guide Poitras, much like he did with Conor Bedard in Chicago last season, and he could serve as backup at center if Poitras needs more development.
Given his versatility, Johnson could also shift to his off wing to fill the gap left by Jake DeBrusk. However, there are several contenders for the second-line right wing spot, including rookie Fabian Lysell, veteran Morgan Geekie, and the imposing Justin Brazeau.
Johnson also adds value to the power play, having scored eight goals and 16 points on the man advantage last season—a welcome boost for a team always looking for additional firepower.