Veteran NHL forward Tyler Johnson has announced his retirement, concluding a career that spanned 747 games and included winning the Stanley Cup twice.
Johnson made the announcement on Monday, ending a professional hockey career that lasted 13 seasons.
The 5-foot-8 center originally entered the league as an undrafted player at age 22. He signed his initial contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2012 and first played in the NHL during that same season.
Johnson played a key role in the Lightning reaching the 2015 Stanley Cup Final. Five years later, he hoisted his first Cup with Tampa Bay in the 2019-20 season, securing his second championship ring the very next year.
“I found where I belonged within the Lightning organization,” Johnson stated in a press release. “My teammates became like family… and together, along with our coaches and staff, we made history by winning consecutive Stanley Cups. Tampa will always be special to me.”
The Spokane, Washington native signed a seven-year deal with the team in July 2017. He is ranked eighth all-time in goals scored for the Lightning franchise, with 161.
From 2015 through 2024, Johnson`s career was affected by recurring injuries, which limited his games played annually. During this period, he only participated in more than 80 games in a season twice.
In July 2021, Johnson was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he spent three seasons.
He later signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins in November 2024. However, after appearing in just nine games, the team and player mutually agreed to end the contract.
“I`m excited about starting a family and pursuing new opportunities,” Johnson commented. “While this is a somewhat sad moment, I step away from hockey with no regrets, only thankfulness for the arenas, my fellow players, the supporters, and the sport that will forever be a passion.”
He concluded by saying, “Thank you to everyone who was part of my career.”
Duncan Priestley