BREAKING: Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Tyler Johnson Announces Retirement, Ends 13-Year NHL Career with Brief Bruins Stint

In a heartfelt announcement that closed the book on one of the NHL’s most resilient underdog stories, veteran forward Tyler Johnson officially declared his retirement from professional hockey on Monday, ending a storied 13-season career. The 33-year-old skater, who went undrafted out of juniors, defied the odds to become a two-time Stanley Cup winner and a key contributor to some of the most dominant teams of the 2010s.

Johnson’s final NHL chapter came with the Boston Bruins, where he briefly joined the Original Six franchise during the 2024–25 season in a depth role. While his time in Boston was short, the stint gave fans one last look at a tenacious forward whose career was defined by grit, speed, and postseason heroics.

Born in Spokane, Washington, Johnson’s NHL journey began without fanfare. Passed over in the NHL Entry Draft despite stellar numbers in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs, he was eventually signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011 as a free agent. Few could have predicted the impact he would have.

By 2014, Johnson had emerged as a top-line forward for the Lightning, finishing as a finalist for the Calder Trophy and playing a pivotal role in Tampa Bay’s run to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final. But it was during the team’s back-to-back championship runs in 2020 and 2021 that he cemented his legacy.

During his nine seasons with Tampa Bay, Johnson became known for his clutch playoff performances, particularly in the 2015 and 2020 postseasons, where he combined for 37 points across 45 games. He often found himself on the Lightning’s famed “Triplets Line” alongside Ondřej Palát and Nikita Kucherov, a trio that terrorized defenses with speed and chemistry.

He logged 589 games with Tampa Bay, tallying 161 goals and 360 points, and became a locker room favorite for his work ethic and leadership. Despite his smaller stature (listed at 5’8”), Johnson was fearless — going into corners, blocking shots, and battling relentlessly at both ends of the ice.

In 2021, with salary cap pressures mounting in Tampa, Johnson was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he spent three seasons. Although injuries hampered his production in Chicago, he served as a valuable mentor during the team’s rebuilding phase and still managed to contribute key goals and leadership in the locker room.

His final act came with the Boston Bruins, who signed him to a one-year deal in 2024. Johnson appeared in 19 games, contributing a goal and two assists. Though his time in Boston was limited, his presence was appreciated by fans and teammates alike for his professionalism and experience.

Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery praised Johnson’s influence, stating, “Tyler brought a championship mentality with him every day. He was a quiet leader and a perfect example for our younger players to follow.”

Johnson also hinted at remaining involved in hockey in some capacity, mentioning a desire to help develop young players and stay close to the sport that defined much of his life.

Though he never led the league in scoring or headlined All-Star rosters, Johnson leaves behind a legacy that transcends statistics. He proved that resilience, intelligence, and work ethic can carry a player to the top of the hockey world.