For most fans, any time we look back at the atrocity that was the 2023-24 Blackhawks is a painful one. Even though the team wasn’t so successful, Chicago developed strong emotional ties to each and every player of its team. As a result, it’s always interesting to see where those players end up after the team moves on from them. For the Blackhawks, that happened quite a bit over the summer as the team attempted to turn over a new leaf with a slew of free-agent signings and a revamped roster. Almost every member of the lengthy list of former Blackhawks caught on with a new team, save for a few stragglers.
On Saturday, the shortened list got one name shorter. One of the bigger producers from last year’s team was somehow still on the free agent market and found himself near the top of most “best available” lists now that the well has run dry. Finally, the Bruins signed Tyler Johnson to a professional tryout contract.
The Blackhawks acquired Johnson, as well as a second-round pick in the 2023 draft, from the Lightning in exchange for the contract of Brent Seabrook in the summer of 2021. Johnson struggled with injuries somewhat in his three seasons with Chicago, logging 149 total games played. Still, he was a vital part of the Blackhawks’ offense, especially when they struggled in February and March without Connor Bedard. On some of the lineups that made headlines as some of the worst of all time, Johnson was at least a highlight. At the end of the season, he had made it clear that he wanted to play for a contender now that he’s 34 years old and in the twilight of his career, and the Blackhawks parted ways with him amicably.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson was able to catch on with the Bruins as at least a bottom line/extra forward. They’re a cap-strapped team looking for production from veterans for next to nothing financially, and Johnson has proved he’s a perfect candidate. He’s eclipsed the 30-point mark two years in a row despite a handful of injuries, including a 31-point campaign over 67 games last season. He’s a decent all-around forward and portions of 12 seasons have given him enough game experience that he’s reliable at both ends of the ice, even if he isn’t a flashy scorer.
With Johnson off the list of departing free agents for the Blackhawks, all but three have now signed somewhere else. Jarred Tinordi, Rem Pitlick and Michal Teplý all remain available, and none will be playing in the NHL this year after unspectacular efforts a season ago.
