Blackhawks: Tyler Johnson’s Keys To Success, Profile, And Expectations

The Chicago Blackhawks have one new addition that should make a big impact on the roster in Tyler Johnson. Let’s break down the keys to success and expectations for the new Hawk.

Tyler Johnson is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion that adds a lot to the Blackhawks.

Johnson had to be traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning due to his cap hit, but honestly, he is still a really good player. At just 31 years old, the Hawks have a really good forward that still brings a lot to the table.

His stats the past few seasons might not be that high, he only had eight goals last season, but he also was playing fewer minutes with all the star-powered talent Tampa Bay has. The last time the Blackhawks were in the Stanley Cup Final was Johnson’s best season in the NHL. That year he had over 70 points during the regular season and while he probably won’t get back to that again in his career Chicago could give him a second chance for individual success.

Stats From The Past:

Keys To Success:

1. Provide Experience – Outside of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, Johnson is one of the most successful players in the locker room. If he truly is playing on the third line with some younger players hopefully he can provide some experience and help advance their games. Personally, I like the idea of the outcast line with Nylander and Strome as I think all three have something to prove. Johnson has been through a lot of ups and downs in his career as he was undrafted, so maybe he can help provide a spark on the third line.

2. Be A Threat On The Power Play – Chicago’s power play is pretty wide open when it comes to who will be on it. I think one way Johnson will get his point total up this season could be with time on the power play. He would be a great addition to it and might provide something different than we have seen in the past.

3. Win Faceoffs – Johnson is one of the best centers the team has entering the season. With the uncertainty around Jonathan Toews, and Kirby Dach still being rather young, Johnson might be one of the best centers the team has available to them to begin the season. While he probably won’t be a top-line guy, one could imagine he might be taking faceoffs on the power play or just a lot of random draws during the game.

"Blackhawks: Ten storylines to watch throughout the season"

Expectations:

My prediction for Johnson this season is that he is going to put up at least 40 points this season. I think this will be a bounce-back season for him as he will have a bigger role than he had in Tampa Bay the past few seasons. Winning is awesome, but being the guy for a team is something Johnson has not gotten to do the last few seasons with all the stars on Tampa Bay. Now we will have to wait and see how the Blackhawk use him this season.