After weeks of waiting, veteran forward Tyler Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins for the 2024-25 season on Monday.
The 34-year-old, who was on a professional tryout (PTO) agreement with Boston, inked a deal worth $775,000 after staying patient and waiting for a roster spot to open since the end of training camp and the preseason.
“It wasn’t the most fun experience,” Johnson said of his time waiting while on a PTO, per Boston Globe. “I hate watching hockey, so for me to watch that long and not be a part of it, it’s tough. So it’s nice to be back.”
Johnson already made his Bruins debut on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing 14 minutes, including nearly three minutes on the power play, in Boston’s 4-0 loss to its divisional foes.
Johnson joins the Bruins with a wealth of experience, including scoring 193 career goals and 431 points through 738 regular-season games prior to Tuesday’s matchup.
Most importantly, he comes with two Stanley Cup championships under his belt from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning the chalice in 2020 and 2021.
Johnson spent the last three seasons with the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks, but he told reporters about staying focused during that time, aiming to join a team with playoff aspirations.
“That was the biggest thing for me,” Johnson said of his decision to join Boston. “And the Boston organization is just top-notch… ever since that first day I got here, I knew I wanted to be here.”
Johnny’s joining us 👌
The #NHLBruins have signed @tjohnny09 to a one-year contract.
📰: https://t.co/LnmRlonCMu pic.twitter.com/FdVJB9IJEs
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 4, 2024
Head coach Jim Montgomery is confident Johnson brings more than just offensive depth to Boston’s lineup.
“Energy, poise, wisdom, and just game management,” Montgomery said. “He’s going to make plays. He’s going to be able to help us on the bench. Just another veteran voice who’s won a couple of Cups.”
Be the first to comment