Tyler Johnson was once a key player for Tampa Bay, helping them win back-to-back titles in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
He played well with Chicago too, but now he’s unsigned more than six weeks into free agency. Johnson, now 34, spent his first nine NHL seasons with the Lightning and had his best year nine years ago with 72 points in 77 games. He later settled into a middle-six role and got a seven-year, $35M contract that was fair at the time.
Tampa Bay had to clear cap space by trading him to Chicago along with a second-round pick and taking on Brent Seabrook’s LTIR contract. Unfortunately, injuries affected Johnson’s first two seasons there; he played only 82 games combined but still scored 32 points in 56 games during the 2022-23 season. Last season, he stayed healthier and made 67 appearances with 17 goals and 14 assists—the most goals since the 2018-19 season. However, this hasn’t secured him a new contract yet.
Potential Suitors:
Stats for last season:
67 GP, 17 G, 14 A, -35 rating
Career stats:
738 GP, 193 G, +20 rating
At this point in his career, Johnson isn’t seen as a top-six player anymore. Teams looking for offensive depth on their third line might be interested. Tampa Bay could use someone familiar like him for their middle six. Boston might want him as insurance if Matthew Poitras struggles at center. Washington could use him if T.J. Oshie’s health remains uncertain or to let Hendrix Lapierre develop more in AHL Hershey.
In the Western Conference, Colorado needs depth but has cap issues so they’ll look for low-cost players like Johnson. Nashville might consider him after moving Cody Glass to free up cap space if they have room after re-signing Juuso Parssinen and Philip Tomasino. Winnipeg also needs center depth after failing to replace Sean Monahan; while Johnson isn’t at Monahan’s level, he’d add some needed experience.
Fans might think it’s surprising how quickly things change in sports careers.
Projected Contract:
Johnson won’t get close to the $5M per year he made before. He may get a seven-figure deal from a rebuilding team needing veteran presence or sign near the $775K minimum salary for better team options.
What do you think? Should Tyler take less money to join a stronger team?
