Bruins Reporter Leaks Trade Between The Blackhawks And Bruins
When the holiday roster freeze is lifted at 12:01 a.m. EST on Thursday, the Boston Bruins might find a potential solution to their growing need for more skill up the middle. A reliable source within the NHL executive circle has disclosed to Boston Hockey Now that the Chicago Blackhawks are open to trading center Tyler Johnson. The 33-year-old, 5-foot-8, 185-pound pivot is currently in the final season of a seven-year, $35 million cap hit. As per Puckpedia, Johnson has utilized $2,005,209 of his $5 million salary cap this season, accumulating seven goals and four assists in 34 games.
Tyler Johnson joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021 after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021. The Blackhawks also acquired a 2023 second-round pick in the trade. Despite Johnson's initial struggles with injuries in Chicago, he has shown flashes of his previous form, finishing last season with 12 goals and 20 assists in 56 games. Notably, his most outstanding NHL season was in 2014-15, where he scored 29 goals and recorded 43 assists in 73 games, helping the Lightning reach the 2015 Stanley Cup Final.
On the trade rumor front, the Boston Bruins have frequently been associated with Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm. However, recent reports suggest that Lindholm might be dealt closer to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, on 'TSN Insider Trading,' linked the Bruins to Lindholm, emphasizing the team's need for a right-handed center with defensive skills following the departure of Patrice Bergeron.
LeBrun also highlighted the challenges for the Boston Bruins in acquiring Lindholm, noting their lack of a 2024 first-round pick, a consequence of last year's trade for Tyler Bertuzzi. The competition for Lindholm's services is fierce, with the Colorado Avalanche also expressing interest. The Bruins, without a 2024 second or third-round pick, face additional hurdles in competing with other suitors unless the Flames are open to future picks.
While Tyler Johnson may not be a top-six center anymore, some wonder if his Stanley Cup pedigree and experience could make him a backup option for the Bruins. However, concerns about his size and performance at this stage in his career raise doubts about his fit with the team's needs. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the Bruins navigate the trade market and address their center position in the coming weeks.
As seen on bostonhockeynow
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