Former Blackhawks star Tyler Johnson faces retirement as NHL interest wanes

With the NHL offseason winding down, Tyler Johnson, the former stalwart of the Chicago Blackhawks, finds himself adrift in free agency, with no imminent contract offers on the horizon.

The skilled forward, once a fixture in the Blackhawks' lineup, concluded his tenure with the team under a cloud of mutual agreement for change, signaling a departure that seeks new opportunities in the league.

During a candid exit interview with Blackhawks General Manager Cole Davidson, Johnson expressed a desire for "meaningful hockey" in the upcoming season, subtly dismissing any possibility of a reunion with his former team.

This sentiment was echoed in various reports, highlighting a definitive end to his chapter with the Blackhawks.

Financial constraints across the NHL have further complicated Johnson's prospects. Having commanded a cap hit of $5 million in his previous contract, his search for a new team is hampered by the tightened budgets of most franchises.

This financial reality paints a bleak picture for the forward, as many teams have already allocated their resources for the season.

Johnson's tenure with the Blackhawks was marred by inconsistent availability due to injuries. Although his performance saw a spike-culminating in 67 games played last season with 17 goals and 14 assists-the overall impact was diminished by a concerning -35 plus-minus rating.

Despite his struggles to maintain a full-season presence-having only completed one 82-game roster since the 2013-2014 season-rumors about a potential return to Chicago have been quashed.

The team is actively reorganizing its forward lines, making it clear that there's no room for Johnson in their current restructuring.

As September approaches, the likelihood increases that Johnson may accept a professional tryout offer (PTO) in a bid to secure a contract.

This scenario underscores a stark shift from his previous secured positioning, to a trial basis engagement, reflecting the harsh realities of professional sports where past performance does not always guarantee future opportunities.

This possibility remains a hopeful avenue for Johnson to demonstrate his ongoing value in the NHL amidst a challenging free agency period.

Source: Last Word On Sports
This Former Chicago Blackhawk's Forward Remains Unsigned

Source: NHL.com
Tyler Johnson