"He hasn't had 40 points in 6 years": NHL fans react as Boston Bruins sign Tyler Johnson to PTO

The Boston Bruins' decision to sign Tyler Johnson to a Professional Tryout Agreement (PTO) has sparked a range of reactions among NHL fans.

Johnson is coming off a season with the Chicago Blackhawks where he recorded 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games.

He was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. Johnson was a key contributor during Tampa's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.

The reaction from fans on social media has been mixed. One fan commented, noting Johnson's declining production:

"He hasn't had 40 points in 6 years."

Another noted:

"Why? He can't stay healthy and is very clearly at the end of his career. (zero disrespect intended)."

Others were more optimistic about the veteran's potential fit with the Bruins, especially on a PTO with no risk.

"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," one fan wrote.

"Seriously surprised no one signed him for $775K X1. He’s gonna be a solid bottom 6 guy," another fan wrote.

"It’s a PTO…no guarantee he makes the team or even sticks around long enough in the pre-season," a user commented.

"Giving a guy a tryout to see if he still has something left in him is fine. And if it goes well he’ll get him self a nice two way league minimum deal that won’t eat any of the cap. Literally a no lose move," another user wrote.

Johnson was originally signed by the Lightning as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He has 193 goals and 431 points over 738 career NHL games between Tampa and Chicago.

NHL analyst on Boston Bruins signing Tyler Johnson to PTO

NHL analyst Ian McLaren, host of the "Locked On Bruins Podcast," weighed in on the Boston Bruins' decision to sign Tyler Johnson to a professional tryout (PTO). McLaren said:

"Not really playing with anybody of significance or elite status, so producing well on a lottery team. So, it's a safe bet, a nice ad for the Bruins at training camp to create some internal competition with youngsters like Fabian Lysell."

McLaren also pointed out the pending contract situation with Jeremy Swayman, questioning the Bruins' cap space for potential signings.