In a bid to bolster their lineup with scoring, speed, and playoff experience, the Boston Bruins have taken a significant step by signing forward Tyler Johnson to a professional tryout contract (PTO). The move, announced by the team on Saturday, highlights the Bruins’ efforts to address multiple needs in one strategic acquisition.
Johnson, 34, brings a wealth of experience from his three-season stint with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he recorded 31 points, including 17 goals, in 67 games last season. A seasoned NHL veteran, Johnson entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2011 with the Tampa Bay Lightning and played a pivotal role in the franchise’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021.
Over his 12-year career, Johnson has amassed 431 points, with 193 goals in 738 games. His postseason credentials are equally impressive, with 65 points and 32 goals in 116 playoff games, making him a valuable asset for any team looking to make a deep playoff run.
At 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds, Johnson brings a different dynamic to the Bruins’ roster, contrasting with the size and physicality of the team’s other offseason additions. His skill and quickness could be a welcome addition, providing the team with a versatile forward capable of playing both center and wing.
However, Johnson’s spot on the Bruins’ roster is far from guaranteed. As a PTO signee, he will need to compete for a position during training camp, vying with the team’s emerging prospects. With a vacancy on the right side of the middle six, Johnson will face stiff competition from top prospect Fabian Lysell and other new arrivals, including Max Jones and Riley Tufte.
There is also a possibility that Johnson could secure a role as the third-line center if he outperforms Matthew Poitras, who is returning from an injury-shortened season.
The Bruins’ training camp officially opens on September 18, with the rookie camp kicking off a week earlier on September 11. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on how Johnson performs in his bid to earn a spot on the opening night roster.
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