The player from the Blackhawks has officially announced his departure.
Photo credit: Jamie Sabau/USA TODAY Sports
However, despite contributing with 31 points across the season—17 goals and 13 assists—his performance often flew under the radar in a squad lacking high-caliber offensive weapons. Johnson, a seasoned player who has known the taste of victory, found himself navigating a team in the throes of rebuilding.
Johnson's reflection on his stint in Chicago reveals mixed feelings. At a recent locker cleanout, he shared:
«I'm obviously thankful for being here. I've met a lot of good people,» Johnson said at locker clean out. «But it wasn't exactly what I had envisioned or wanted. It was way different. I met some really good people, made some really good friends that I'm going to have forever, so that's been great.»
This sentiment underscores the difference between Johnson's past experiences and his current scenario. Transitioning from a contender like the Tampa Bay Lightning to the rebuilding Blackhawks represented a significant shift, impacting not only his gameplay but also his career expectations.
As Johnson eyes free agency, his focus is clear: he yearns for the playoff atmosphere again, an element sorely missed in recent seasons. His passion for postseason play came through vividly during a recent conversation:
«I was talking with some of the guys the other day and just talking about playoffs just got me all ramped up,» Johnson said. «That's where it's all at and that's where I've always loved. I've always just wanted to be a part of that and when you're not, especially the last three years here just doing what we're doing's been pretty tough. I always try to stay positive with everything but it really just kind of grinds for a bit and I'd definitely like to try to get back to that.»
Looking ahead, several teams have shown interest in Johnson. The Seattle Kraken consider him a strong candidate to bolster their bottom-six and possibly enhance their power-play strategy. A return to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where Johnson's NHL journey began, remains a feasible option, potentially at a reduced salary. Meanwhile, Kyle Dubas sees potential in Johnson enhancing the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup due to his adaptability and veteran presence.
As the market unfolds, Johnson's experience and longing for high-stakes games make him a valuable asset. Though he may not command a top-tier salary, his playoff ambitions and versatility will likely make him a sought-after player during this offseason.
Sources:
Chicago Hockey Now
NHLTradeRumors.me
Previously on HawksLatest
| POLL |
22 MAI | 67 ANSWERS The player from the Blackhawks has officially announced his departure. Where do you think Tyler Johnson will sign? |
| Seattle Kraken | 20 | 29.9 % |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 23 | 34.3 % |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 16 | 23.9 % |
| Vancouver Canucks | 8 | 11.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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