Tyler Johnson clears waivers, but already has next move in the cards!

On Thursday, the Boston Bruins placed forward Tyler Johnson on unconditional waivers on Thursday for purposes of contract termination. On Friday, insider Chris Johnston confirmed that the veteran player had cleared waivers, though he mentioned how Johnson was getting ready to talk to other teams about a contract in the NHL.

“That makes him an unrestricted free agent. Johnson is hoping to continue playing and will start speaking with teams after the NHL’s Holiday Roster Freeze is lifted.”

Johnson’s contract is terminated just six weeks after he inked a one-year, $775,000 deal with the Bruins in early November. He had joined the team on a professional tryout agreement in August and recorded a goal and two points in four preseason games before being released from that.

While he stuck with the Bruins, he managed to land a spot and sign that contract, though this one is voided now and Johnson is back on the market.

Johnson had two assists in nine games with the Bruins this season, but only played one game this month before parting ways with Boston.

There could be some interest out there for Johnson, who helped the Tampa Bay Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.

Last season, Johnson was a member of the Blackhawks, posting 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games. He came to Chicago in that trade on the last of a seven-year, $35 million deal he signed with the Bolts. Tampa Bay acquired a draft pick, in exchange for defenseman Brent Seabrook’s contract in the transaction.

What’s next for Johnson? I guess we will find out once he is eligible to speak with teams after the NHL roster freeze.