The Boston Bruins made an interesting signing on August 31st, bringing in veteran forward Tyler Johnson on a professional tryout agreement (PTO).
Johnson before joining the Bruins spent most of his career with the Tampa Bay Lightning and has been a longtime rival of the Bruins.
"I played a lot of meaningful hockey against this team and couple good playoff series and regular season games.I used to hate Boston, but it's going to be fun playing in front of the home crowd instead," Johnson said to reporters.
He scored 31 points (17 goals and 14 assists) in 67 games while playing for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2023–24 season. Johnson joined the Tampa Bay Lightning as a free agent in 2011 after he went undrafted.
Fans react to Tyler Johnson's comments after joining long-time rival Bruins
Fans are buzzing after Tyler Johnson's comments following his PTO to Boston.
Social media erupted with mixed reactions. Some fans embraced Johnson's enthusiasm, hoping his competitive spirit would benefit the team, while others expressed skepticism.
One fan commented:
"Feeling was mutual bud. Would love to see him succeed here though."
Another fan wrote:
"It’s a PTO…no guarantee he makes the team or even sticks around long enough in the pre-season."
Here are more fan reactions:
"TyJo was not the worst with us, but this last season he really phoned it in. He knew he wasn't going to stay, and it showed. Hopefully the Bruins get some of that Triplet Line magic from him, he has the capability" one fan wrote on X.
"Why? He can't stay healthy and is very clearly at the end of his career. (zero disrespect intended)." another fan wrote.
"5.8' 34 years old. Injury prone. Did get 17 goals last year. For me he's too small and obviously passed his prime. Not sure he's gonna make the team.." a user commented.
"good signing. Team needs guys who have won before to replace the Bergeron, Krejci etc. leadership. Just hope it doesn’t affect the development and ice time of Poitras and Lysell. Team really needs their speed and scoring ability" another user commented.
Tyler Johnson's two Stanley Cup triumphs with the Lightning bring a winning pedigree and veteran experience to a Bruins team looking to make another deep playoff run.