One of the key contributors to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021 has hung up his skates for good.
Tyler Johnson is officially retiring from the NHL.
Johnson was an undrafted player, a 5-foot-8 center who found a way to break through into the NHL anyway.
He made his debut for the Lightning in 2012-13, scoring six points in 14 games.
From that point on, he was indispensable for nearly a decade.
Johnson ended up playing nine seasons for the Lightning, totaling 161 goals and 200 assists in 589 games.
After that, he played three years for the Blackhawks, and he appeared in nine games last season for the Bruins before calling it quits.
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Johnson’s career concluded with 433 points.
Johnson was a clutch playoff performer.
In 2014-15, he led the league with 13 playoff goals and 23 playoff points.
In the 2020 Cup run, Johnson had seven points, and he came back with another seven points in the 2021 Cup run.
Turning 35 on July 29, Johnson heads off into the sunset as a clutch-performing champion.
“Now, after a lifetime devoted to hockey, I’m ready for what’s next,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “I’m thrilled to focus on starting a family and exploring new paths. This moment is bittersweet, but I leave the game with no regrets — only gratitude for the rinks, the teammates, the fans and a sport that will always ignite my soul. Thank you all for being part of my journey.”
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