The Boston Bruins are hoping that their new training camp addition can be this season's Danton Heinen.
Last year, the Boston Bruins signed Danton Heinen to a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. The 29-year-old's PTO was successful, as he later earned a contract with the Bruins. From there, he proved to be one of the Bruins' top forwards in 2023-24, recording 17 goals and 36 points in 74 games. Due to his strong play, he signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks this summer.
Overall, the Bruins and Heinen reuniting was incredibly successful for both the player and the team. Now, the Bruins are hoping that their latest PTO addition will produce similar results.
On Saturday, the Bruins added veteran forward Tyler Johnson on a PTO. With the Bruins losing multiple forwards this offseason and needing more depth, it is understandable that they are taking a chance on Johnson. If Johnson can earn himself a contract, it has the potential to be a good decision for the Bruins.
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While Johnson has not received a guaranteed contract for the 2024-25 season, he can absolutely still make an impact in the NHL. During this past season with the Chicago Blackhawks, the 34-year-old had 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games. Overall, that is still solid offensive production, and he could make a case for a spot in the Bruins' bottom six with a strong training camp because of it.
Johnson's extensive NHL experience also makes him an intriguing player. The Spokane, Washington native has played in 738 career NHL games and notably won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Thus, if the Original Six club elects to sign him for the season, he could be a strong depth addition for the Bruins.
Nevertheless, the PTO route was a home run for the Bruins last year with Heinen. Given Johnson's resume, he could become Boston's next successful PTO move. Let's see what happens on that front from here.
