By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
With Training Camp kicking off on Wednesday, September 18th, Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney brought in more internal competition, signing Tyler Johnson to a Professional Tryout Agreement. Johnson spent last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he scored 17 goals, the most he scored since 2019 when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Johnson has had a successful NHL career, winning two Stanley Cups with the Lightning. He’s also scored over 20 goals in four seasons and has 431 points in 738 career games. While Johnson has an impressive resume, he must first earn a contract. A player on a PTO can get released at any time during training camp or the regular season. However, where might he fit if Johnson plays his way onto the Bruins roster?
Heading into training camp, the Bruins need to fill the gap left by Jake DeBrusk’s departure. DeBrusk was primarily deployed last season as the B’s second-line right wing, and if Trent Frederic or Morgan Geekie were to earn that spot, it would leave a place open on the third line. Johnson, a right-handed shot capable of playing both center and right-wing, could win one of those roles.
However, Johnson will face stiff competition in training camp, perhaps the toughest being Matthew Poitras. Poitras burst onto the scene last fall with a stellar training camp and earned a spot in the Bruins’ lineup. Unfortunately, a promising start for the 20-year-old was cut short after season-ending shoulder surgery. After a lengthy recovery process, Poitras is also ready to compete for a spot. How can Johnson win this battle?
One thing Johnson can help the Bruins with is their powerplay. The Bruins’ powerplay went cold at crucial times last season, finishing the regular season with a 22.2% conversion rate, 14th leaguewide. Johnson led the Blackhawks in powerplay goals last season with eight, which would have been second on the Bruins last season behind David Pastrnak. Although Johnson may not get the opportunity to play on the Bruins’ first unit if he were to earn a contract, he could be a solid addition to the team’s second unit.
Johnson would also bring a veteran presence to the Bruins’ locker room as he enters his 13th NHL season. With the departures of Pat Maroon, James Van Riemsdyk, and Kevin Shattenkirk, the Bruins may find Johnson’s experience helpful in mentoring young players.
Finally, signing Johnson could allow the Bruins to assign Matthew Poitras to the American Hockey League, which they have not done previously due to the CHL transfer agreement. With Elias Lindholm and Charlie Coyle taking up the top-six center roles, some time in Providence could allow Poitras to get more ice time, play in all situations, and further develop his game.
The Bruins invited two veterans to training camp last season, with very different results. Alex Chiasson was released from his PTO during training camp, while Danton Heinen seized the opportunity, earning an NHL contract and ultimately producing 36 points during the regular season. Can Johnson have similar success? We’ll have to wait and see.
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