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A few years ago, Tyler Johnson—who won back-to-back championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021—would have been one of the hottest names in the early free-agent market.
In his final two seasons with the Lightning, Johnson produced 53 points during the regular season and had eight goals in the postseason. However, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021 and has disappeared from the spotlight since.
Injuries have been part of the problem, as has a rebuilding Blackhawks supporting cast. A return to Chicago isn’t likely to happen.
“I’m obviously thankful for being here,” Johnson said in April, per Rob Couch of The Hockey News. “I’ve met a lot of good people, but it wasn’t exactly what I envisioned or wanted.”
Expect Johnson, who will turn 34 later this month, to eye potential playoff contenders for his next stop. Coming off of a seven-year, $35 million contract, he may even be willing to take a team-friendly deal to do so.
The Colorado Avalance, who won the Stanley Cup in 2022 and haven’t missed the postseason since the 2016-17 season, would be an ideal landing spot for Johnson. Colorado could give him the chance to chase another championship, and if Johnson is willing to play on the cheap, he’d be a valuable depth piece for a team seeking another deep playoff run.
The Avalance have $3.9 million in cap space remaining.
Prediction: Johnson signs with Colorado Avalanche
