Tyler Johnson, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Lightning, announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday after 13 seasons.
Johnson had 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) in 116 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Bolts, helping them secure back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021.
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As a core member of the “Triplets Line” with Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat, Johnson helped drive the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015. The trio came together out of necessity, but quickly turned into one of the league’s most dynamic lines.. the rest was history.
“I’ll never forget the call that changed my life,” Johnson said in a post on Instagram. “While playing in Prince George, British Columbia, my agent, Mark MacKay, told me to keep my phone close. When it rang, it was Steve Yzerman from the Tampa Bay Lightning. I’d never set foot in Florida and knew nothing about Tampa, but a gut feeling said it was my path. That instinct led me home.”
Photo Credit: © Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Johnson was signed by the Lightning as an undrafted free agent on March 7, 2011 and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the League’s top rookie in 2013-14. The following season, he set NHL career highs in goals (29), assists (43) and points (72) in 77 games.
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“In the Lightning organization, I found my place. From earning the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals in the AHL to my NHL callup, those years were the best of my life. My teammates became brothers, and together we won back-to-back Stanley Cups, carving our names into history with our coaches and staff. Tampa will forever hold my heart.”
Johnson finished his career with 433 points (193 goals, 240 assists) in 747 regular-season games for the Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks and Bruins.
“Now, after a lifetime devoted to hockey, I’m ready for what’s next,” Johnson said. “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.”
Photo Credit: © Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images