REPORT: Lightning set to sign WHL star Tyler Johnson

by John Fontana on Mar 5, 2011 2:30 PM EST in Lightning and NHL Rumors

Tyler Johnson, shown here during the IIHF World Junior Championships in 2010, will reportedly sign an entry level contract with the Tampa Bya Lightning. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

It would appear that the Lightning are about to add another Spokane Chiefs alumni to the organizational depth chart. An un-drafted, undersized forward who is racking up points like nobody's business. Where have we seen that before?

SWX is reporting that the Lightning are set to sign center Tyler Johnson to a standard 3-year entry-level contract. Johnson currently leads the Western Hockey League with 47 goals, and is 2nd in the league with 105 points.

At 5'9" and somewhere above 165 pounds in weight, it's not surprising that Johnson was overlooked by NHL scouts. But much like the Tampa Bay Lightning's own undersized star, Martin St. Louis, Johnson makes up for it with hockey smarts, strong two-way play, and speed. He had attended the Minnesota Wild's rookie camp last summer and had a feature article done on him.

Johnson did play two seasons alongside Spokane alumni and Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Dustin Tokarski. He also played for the gold medal winning 2010 USA World Junior Championship team.

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Awesome!

We need a new St. Louis! Haha, good news!

Stamkos = Hockey God

by Killhowe on Mar 5, 2011 2:46 PM EST reply actions

Better move him to right so Stamkos can still have a tiny wingmate when St. Louis retires.

by BaconBits on Mar 5, 2011 3:26 PM EST reply actions

Haha!

Yupp! Could you imagine that, St. Louis retires, and Stamkos plays with Johnson. It would be a dream.

Stamkos = Hockey God

by Killhowe on Mar 5, 2011 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

I love Tyler. He’s incredible. When Cowen was off with the Sens or whatever, he had the C and it was very much deserved. When Cowen returned to the Chiefs and Tyler lost the C, we were all pretty disappointed. He has a great work ethic and plays bigger than his size and is a smart player too. He can skateeeeee. Also, he’s a great kid to boot. I hope Tampa pays him the attention he deserves.

"I don’t know what it is about me that makes people think I want to hear their problems. Maybe I smile too much. Maybe I wear too much pink. But please remember, I can rip your throat out if I need to."

by Wrap Around Curl on Mar 5, 2011 5:15 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Good for Johnson I’ve loved watching him in the WHL. Rare to put up 100 points that quick in the Dub. I keep forgetting he’s a center. Killer’s got some more stiff competition.

It's all hot bishes, naps, and dance parties

by Alix on Mar 5, 2011 6:36 PM EST reply actions