**Former Stanley Cup Champion Tyler Johnson Joins Boston Bruins on a Professional Tryout Agreement**
Tyler Johnson, a Stanley Cup champion, has signed a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO) with the Boston Bruins, as announced by the team’s General Manager, Don Sweeney. The announcement was made through a press release on August 31, where Sweeney confirmed that Johnson would be joining the team for training camp.
Johnson, originally from Spokane, Washington, began his NHL career when he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011. Despite not being selected in the NHL draft, Johnson carved out a successful career, which includes winning two Stanley Cups with the Lightning during their consecutive championship seasons. His journey from an undrafted player to a two-time Stanley Cup winner is a testament to his hard work and skill.
At 34 years old, the 5’8″ center has played 738 games in the NHL, scoring a total of 431 points (with 161 goals and 270 assists) across his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks. Last season, Johnson contributed 17 goals and 14 assists for the Blackhawks, playing alongside rookie Connor Bedard during a challenging year for the team.
A PTO provides players like Johnson an opportunity to participate in training camp and demonstrate their abilities in hopes of securing a spot on the team’s regular-season roster. For the Bruins, Johnson’s experience and skill set could be valuable as they look to strengthen their depth at the center position.
The Bruins have been actively seeking depth at center following the retirements of key players Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci at the end of the 2022-23 season. The addition of Johnson, along with their offseason acquisition of Elias Lindholm, helps to fill the void left by Bergeron and Krejci, making the Bruins’ center position more robust and competitive heading into the new season.
By signing Johnson to a PTO, the Bruins are exploring options to add a seasoned veteran to their lineup without immediately committing to a long-term contract. Johnson’s performance during the training camp will determine whether he can secure a permanent spot on the team and continue his NHL career with the Bruins. His experience, coupled with his track record of success, makes him a compelling candidate to contribute to the Bruins as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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