The Tampa Bay Lightning could likely use one more forward before the start of the 2024-25 season. Given their current cap situation, they are not in a position to make an expensive addition. However, there is a free agent still available who they could potentially land on a cheap one-year deal – old friend Tyler Johnson.

Surprisingly, Johnson has not found a new home two weeks into free agency. With the Lightning needing a bit more help in their middle six, Johnson warrants consideration.

Johnson showed this past season with the Chicago Blackhawks that he can still be a solid middle-six forward. In 67 games with the Original Six club, he posted 17 goals and 31 points. With numbers like these, he would have the potential to provide the Lightning’s second or third line with a nice boost if signed. He would also give them another solid weapon for their power play, as he can still score.

Given Johnson’s past success as a Bolt, it would not be too shocking if they reunited. The Lightning could use more scoring and experience in their middle six, and Johnson would surely provide that. We will need to wait and see if the Lightning end up making a big push for him from here.

In 589 games with the Lightning over nine seasons, Johnson posted 161 goals, 361 points, and a plus-84 rating.