Winnipeg Jets Need to Consider Adding Free Agent Tyler Johnson – Hockey Writers – Winnipeg Jets

While the free agent market has slowed down, there are still a few players left without teams. One of those players is veteran forward Tyler Johnson. There are many pros and cons about signing a veteran forward, but it's something the Winnipeg Jets should at least consider going into the offseason.

Tyler Johnson Can Help With Center Depth

The 34-year-old forward made his name for the Tampa Bay Lightning while centering on a line with Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat known as “The Triplets.” While he may not have the same level of play he did as a youngster, he is still a versatile and quick center. On a team where center depth is a bit questionable, he could provide much-needed help for the Jets.

Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry are only locks for 1C and 3C respectively, but 2C and 4C are still in flux. Johnson would be a good fit for 4C if the Jets are looking for someone with more NHL experience. He has a career fielding percentage of 49.6, which would be the best of some of their center options. He finished last season with 17 goals and 14 assists in 67 games, so he's still a decent offense.

Johnson is a veteran of Presence Who Knows How to Win

Johnson won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021, so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to win. A veteran with that kind of experience could bolster the Jets' roster, especially with players who haven't been to the playoffs or are making a deep run.

Not only that, he has said that he wants to play for a rival. He spent his last three seasons with the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks, so it's no surprise that he's looking to return to a highly competitive game. The Jets are likely to be a contender again, and could be a key piece in helping improve the team's playoff chances.

Jets Can Sign Him For Cheap

When the Jets sign Cole Perfetti, they will likely lose a good chunk of their remaining $5 million in cap space. Johnson's last contract was worth $5 million per year, which is steep for the Jets, especially at this point in Johnson's career. However, it's August and he still hasn't been signed to the team. If he is looking to continue his NHL career, he may receive a lower offer. Depending on how much cap space is left, the team could offer him a one-year contract somewhere in the ballpark between the league minimum and $1.5 million. That would be a decent price for a 4C that brings experience and skill to the table.

Johnson Disagrees with Scott Arniel's Idea of ​​Being Small

While Johnson checks many of the boxes the Jets need, he also has a few issues. Head coach Scott Arniel said he believes youth is “vital” to the future of any successful team, and the Jets have several new prospects in the program. Perfetti is expected to get more ice time under Arniel's leadership, while Manitoba Moose players such as Brad Lambert and Nikita Chibrikov are hoping to earn a spot on the NHL roster this season.

Johnson is 34 years old, and while his leadership and creative skills are helpful, he doesn't fit into the team's long-term plans to get younger and grow the organization's talent. Signing him would be a short-term depth solution, but he could also block the way for young players to make it to the big leagues. The Jets are a team that needs to rely on their draft picks to cultivate NHL talent, and barring their prospects from NHL ice time only hurts the organization. While it may be nice to have a deep center with an experienced player, Johnson can ultimately hinder player development.

He has faced many setbacks in injury

Since joining the Blackhawks, Johnson has not played a full season in the NHL due to multiple injuries. In his first season with Chicago, he had many setbacks and only played in 26 games. Most of his injuries were ankle or foot related, and he was limited to less than 70 games per season.

Related: Scott Arniel's keys to success in first season as Winnipeg Jets head coach

The Jets have plenty of depth to rely on in case someone gets hurt, but it's hard to build chemistry and find a roster full of injury-riddled players. The team already struggled last season with a few injuries, like Gabriel Vilardi who tore his MCL and had an enlarged spleen. It could be risky to sign Johnson with his past, especially if his asking price is over $2 million.

Should the Jets sign Tyler Johnson?

Honestly, I think it depends on how training camp goes. It's hard to imagine that Johnson will still be available when the season starts, but with how little talk seems to surround him, it's possible. In that case, you may need to add him in training camp or early in the season if the Jets feel like their prospects are ready to play in the NHL yet. Filling the hole on the roster with Johnson on a one-year contract would be a good short-term solution.

That being said, I find it hard to believe that the Jets will have problems with their young players. Lambert and Chibrikov looked good in their debuts last season, and their American Hockey League (AHL) stats show they are at least worthy of an NHL opportunity. While both will need some time to adjust to the new level of play, I don't see it as a big enough deal that the Jets will need to sign another depth forward. Giving him a contract should at least be considered, but I think the team is ready to start the season on a good note.