Strange situation unfolding for Tyler Johnson in Boston…

During training camp, the Boston Bruins signed forward Tyler Johnson to a professional tryout agreement and he had a decent time with the team. However, he remains on the sideline as he remains uneligible to play in a game unless he signs a NHL deal.

This is a strange situation unfolding in Boston at this time, with the 2024-25 season underway, and Chris Johnston offered an update on what’s happening for Johnson and the Bruins during last night’s Insider Trading on TSN.

“He was in camp with the Bruins on a tryout agreement and he’s still in Boston. He’s skating there, trying to stay in shape, remaining patient in hopes of getting a contract.

"It’s a bit of an unusual circumstance for the veteran forward. The Bruins like him, they liked his camp, but they don’t have cap space at this point in time so it would have to be someone going on waivers, a trade to create space, or maybe an injury creates an opportunity but Tyler Johnson is willing to wait it out and eventually work out a deal with Boston.”

Johnson is 34 years old and was never drafted in the NHL. He came into the league when he was originally signed by Tampa Bay as a free agent in 2011.

Last season, he took part in 67 games with the Chicago Blackhawks, recording 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 points. In total, he has skated in 738 career NHL games with Chicago and Tampa Bay, totalling 193 goals and 238 assists for 431 points with a plus-20 rating.

He is a two-time Stanley Cup winner (2020, 2021 with the Lightning) and has also played 116 career Stanley Cup playoff games, tallying 32 goals and 33 assists for 65 points.

Johnson could be a great addition to the Bruins, though they cannot seem to fit him under the cap at this time. However, he clearly remains hopeful as he continues to train and skate in Boston.