Tyler Johnson left the Blackhawks to go to a team where he can win, but his options don't seem that promising for next season.
Tyler Johnson never intended to be a member of the Chicago Blackhawks and after he played out the remainder of his contract, he was direct in saying that he wants to skate again in the playoffs.
After the 2023-24 season, Johnson said, "I'd like to play some meaningful hockey and get back in the playoffs...That's where it's all at. 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 few years here doing what we're doing, it's been pretty tough."
Johnson went from playing on a Tampa Bay Lightning team that had just won their second Stanley Cup in two seasons. He had made the playoffs in seven of nine years with the Lightning to then be moved to the Blackhawks who finished 27th, 30th, and 31st the past three seasons he was on the team.
"I'm obviously thankful for being here (Chicago)," Johnson said. "I've met a lot of good people, but it wasn't exactly what I envisioned or wanted." He is a team-first type of player that is willing to play any role that benefits the team he's playing for. That, his playoff success, and experience, should have got him a contract by now, but the 33-year-old remains a UFA.
Johnson wants to win, but options aren't abundant for the veteran. This had led to his name being linked to the Montréal Canadiens. But are the Canadiens in a better place to compete and get in the playoffs than the Blackhawks are after this offseason?
Blackhawks in Better Spot Than Canadiens?
The Blackhawks did a ton to upgrade their roster and Chicago will be better. The Canadiens didn't do so much. Other than some of the players they already had improving and the team potentially being healthier than they typically have been in recent years, Montréal could once again find themselves outside of the playoff picture looking in.
Both Chicago and Montréal have very bright futures, but it is a stretch to think that either will make the playoffs and have a run as soon as next season.
I don't know what Johnson's contract is going to look like, but now that a week has gone by since free agency opened, a multi-year deal seems less likely. If he hasn't been signed, that means that the teams more likely to make the playoffs that he was hoping to sign on haven't shown enough interest to warrant him signing a contract there.
The Canadiens brought in Alex Barre-Boulet, a 14th forward. That is the big addition the team made this offseason. There's more than enough money to spend and if they are to do something, Johnson and Daniel Sprong are the two most impactful offensive players from last season at forward that are still available.
Johnson is going to end up somewhere in the NHL, but it's not going to be Chicago and it might not be where he hoped when he stated he wanted to play meaningful hockey.
