Two-time Stanley Cup champion Tyler Johnson announced his retirement from the NHL at 34.
The center played a combined 863 regular-season and playoff games in 13 NHL seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. He was part of the Lightning’s back-to-back Cup wins in 2020 and 2021.
“I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on a journey that began as a kid in Spokane, Wash., dreaming of hockey,” Johnson said in a statement posted to his social media. “I can feel the crisp air of Eagles Ice Arena, where my mom, Debbie, taught me how to skate, and the countless hours my dad and grandpa spent coaching me, urging me to push harder.
“A short kid from a small town, I saw my chances of playing in the NHL were very slim. But my family – my parents, Ken and Debbie, and my grandparents – believed in me when doubt clouded my mind. Their unwavering faith turned that dream into reality.”
In fact, Johnson has won championships in the WHL, world juniors, AHL and NHL during his hockey career. He won the WHL’s Ed Chynoweth Cup, playoff MVP honors and the Memorial Cup in 2007-08, his first year in major junior hockey. The season afterward, he won gold with Team USA at the world juniors and was named a top-three player on the squad.
“From ages 17 to 20, playing for my community, surrounded by friends and family, was an honor I’ll cherish forever,” Johnson said.
After four seasons with the Spokane Chiefs, Johnson went undrafted and played two seasons in the AHL before entering the NHL. He won the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals in 2012.
Following that season, he played 62 games for the Syracuse Crunch before the Lightning called him up for 14 games to end the 2012-13 season.
Johnson’s best years were with the Bolts, including a career year in 2014-15. In 77 appearances, he recorded 29 goals and 43 assists for 72 points. He finished eighth in Selke Trophy voting that season, the highest he’s ranked for any award in his career.
“In the Lightning organization, I found my place,” Johnson said. He said Tampa was also where he met his wife, Megan.
His career ended with a short stint in Boston. He played nine games for the Bruins, recording two assists while averaging 13:05 of ice time. His tenure in Boston didn’t last, as his contract was mutually terminated after he made the roster through a PTO.
Johnson signs off with a total of 193 goals and 433 points with an average of 16:24 of ice time and a plus-19 rating. In the playoffs, he scored 32 goals and 65 points in 116 appearances, averaging 15:49 of ice time and a plus-seven rating.
“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.”
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