The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired forward Tyler Johnson from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tampa receives Brent Seabrook in return. In addition to Johnson, Chicago will also receive a second-round selection in the 2023 draft. Emily Kaplan announced the move late Tuesday night.
NEWS: Tyler Johnson is headed to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Tampa Bay traded Johnson and their 2023 second round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Brent Seabrook, sources told ESPN.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) July 28, 2021
Tyler Johnson Acquired By Chicago
Johnson managed to overcome trade rumours during the regular season to post another respectable campaign on a deep Lightning squad. The 30-year-old skater posted eight goals and 22 points in 55 games. Those are career-worst numbers, but they came in just 13:40 of ice time per night. Johnson still had excellent possession numbers with a 55.5 percent Corsi For and 4.5 relative Corsi.
The Washington native has carved out an excellent career with the Lightning despite not being drafted. He debuted in 2012-13 and has been a steady presence ever since. Johnson has 161 goals and 361 points in 589 games and has been an important figure in both of Tampa Bay’s Stanley Cup runs. It is a shame his run in Florida comes to an end due to salary constraints, but he leaves the only franchise he’s known as one of the 10 most productive skaters in franchise history for the moment.
What This Means For The Future
Chicago seems to be looking squarely at a playoff birth in 2021-22. Johnson is just the latest acquisition after several offseason trades. Johnson won’t dominate on his own as a third-line centre, but he is a good addition when combined with players such as Seth Jones. The Blackhawks might still struggle to stop opponents, but there is little question that their offence should be respectable. That is especially true if Jonathan Toews returns with no lingering effects of his injury.
Tampa receives absolutely nothing in return, but a lack of cap space forced this move. Seabrook will move immediately one of the injured reserve lists and not impact the team’s ability to make further moves. The Lightning are still slightly over the cap ceiling of $81.5 million at the moment, so do not be surprised if at least one other secondary player is traded. In addition, this always the Lightning some more flexibility to sign Brayden Point who is due a new contract soon as well.
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