The Ex-Lightning and Blackhawk has decided to give it another go with the Boston Bruins!
It’s PTO season, and for the Boston Bruins, it appears they did indeed have an undersized forward in mind for a try out for the 2024-25 season…just not the one you’re thinking of.
Instead, it appears the Bruins have gone and given Tyler Johnson of Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks vintage, a professional try-out agreement.
The #NHLBruins have signed forward Tyler Johnson to a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO).
Read more ⤵️ https://t.co/NVJdqY5J4G
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 31, 2024
The PNW’s own Tyler Johnson throughout his time in the NHL has been a versatile forward who was a part of the Lightnings’ cup runs throughout the 2010s and their cup wins during the End Times…but was pretty quickly jettisoned after as he made his way to Chicago; playing pretty substantial minutes for the embattled franchise, and had one of his most prolific seasons since 2019 in terms of goals. His ability to play both Wing and Center has also allowed both franchises to use him at different capacities throughout his time in the Windy City and in Florida.
As for why, however…I think one of the big ways to describe Johnson’s career since the pandemic has been “punching above his weight”, because Johnson’s on-ice impact is…rough, and has been rough since around 2019.
Evolving-Hockey.com
Let’s be nice and say that he could be doing better. That he’s coming into this with a lot to prove.
After all, he is on a PTO; he’s got to compete with younger options in the team’s depth that are gunning for a role as well. Increased competition in camp will likely keep both sides honest.
So, for right now, let’s welcome Tyler Johnson to the Black and Gold, and see how he finds a way to reinvent himself in a Bruins jersey!