Johnson made it clear during his exit interview with general manager Cole Davidson that he was looking to play meaningful hockey next season and basically closed the door on a return to the Blackhawks this season.
After holding a cap hit of $5 million, many teams have spent their budgets, and the options do not look promising for Johnson as teams have run out of money. Johnson played three seasons with the Blackhawks and during each season he was unable to play all 82 games.
As his games increased his goal total increased which he played 67 games, scored seventeen goals with 14 assists for 31 points and was a dreadful -35.
Johnson has had injury trouble throughout his career and only has played one 82 game season since 2013-2014. Some have brought up the notion of him returning to Chicago but that's clearly not in the cards as the Blackhawks continue to sort out their forward lines to find rules for all the players they have signed and have retained.
What's likely to happen is he may sign a PTO with the team in September to try to acquire a contract as it's likely no team will sign to him long term.
Source: Last Word On Sports
This Former Chicago Blackhawk's Forward Remains Unsigned
Source: NHL.com
POLL | ||
AOUT 20 | 95 ANSWERS Former Chicago Blackhawks and Lightning forward to be forced into retirement as no team is showing interest Would you sign Tyler Johnson to a new contract this season? | ||
Yes | 43 | 45.3 % |
No | 52 | 54.7 % |
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