Johnston went on to explain that while the Bruins liked Johnson’s performance during camp, their current salary cap situation, with only $443,000 in available space, prevents them from offering a contract at this time. “The Bruins like him, they really did like his camp, but they don’t have cap space at this point in time,” Johnston said. “It would have to be someone else put on waivers, a trade to create space, or maybe an injury opens an opportunity. “But Tyler Johnson is willing to wait it out, hoping to eventually get a deal with Boston.”

At 34 years old, Johnson is hoping for one more playoff run, ideally with a contender like Boston. For that to happen, however, the Bruins need to clean around $300,000 as they must pay at the very least a minimum salary of $700,000 to any player joining the organization on a standard contract. The former Tampa Bay Lightning forward has already won back-to-back Stanley Cups and has 12 years of NHL experience. After spending the last three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks during their rebuilding phase, Johnson proved he still has plenty left in the tank, scoring 31 points in 67 games last season, and 32 points the year prior in 56 games.