After another exciting NHL season, Boston Bruins fans are left wondering about the future of some familiar faces. Recent updates concerning former Bruin Blake Wheeler and current player Tyler Johnson have left many speculating about their careers as they navigate the off-season.
Blake Wheeler, who became synonymous with the Bruins early in his NHL career, appears to be on the verge of retirement. Although he has not officially announced his exit from the game, his comments during the Beyond High Performance Podcast suggest he’s ready to step away. "It's just emotional, get up 82 times -- I don't want to do so. There's only so much gas in the tank for 82 games," Wheeler expressed, as noted by the Winnipeg Sun's Paul Friesen. It’s clear from his words, at age 38, the rigorous demands of the NHL are weighing heavily on him.
Wheeler’s illustrious career began with the Bruins, where he played three seasons, accumulating 50 goals and 110 points over 221 games. His time with the team ended when he was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2010-11 season, and he later gained notoriety as the captain of the Winnipeg Jets. Over his 1,172 career NHL games with the Bruins, Jets, and New York Rangers, Wheeler has notched 321 goals, 622 assists, and 943 points.
Interestingly, Wheeler hit the free-agent market this past off-season but did not sign with any team. Rumors circulated about the Bruins potentially bringing him back on a professional tryout (PTO), but nothing materialized. For fans who followed Wheeler’s career, it’s hard to see him not returning to the ice, but his recent comments make it seem increasingly unlikely.
On the other hand, Tyler Johnson is still very much aiming for continued success, albeit under different circumstances. After clearing unconditional waivers last Friday, Johnson is officially a free agent. Although his status seems precarious, the 34-year-old veteran isn’t yet ready to hang up his skates. According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, Johnson plans to speak with teams immediately after the NHL holiday roster freeze ends on December 28.
Johnson first joined the Bruins on a PTO back in August but couldn’t secure his spot on the opening-night roster. He later signed a one-year, $775,000 deal but found it challenging to make his mark, contributing only two assists over nine games. The forward is best known for his impressive tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning, spanning from 2012 to 2021, where he scored 161 goals and amassed 361 points. Johnson significantly impacted Tampa's postseason runs, showcasing his talent particularly during the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, where he had 13 goals and 23 points.
Unfortunately, his career since then has been plagued by injuries, including a broken wrist he sustained during the 2015 Final, impacting his performance for years. Despite this, he achieved the pinnacle of success with two Stanley Cup victories with Tampa Bay, contributing to the team's historic back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021. Following these victories, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for salary cap relief, where he garnered 32 goals and 70 points across 149 games.
Although Johnson's path forward seems uncertain, he holds onto the hope of continuing his NHL career, determined not to retire just yet. It’s apparent his love for the game remains strong, and he’s eager to prove he can still contribute to another team.
For Bruins fans, the potential retirement of Wheeler symbolizes the end of an era, ending with one of the most beloved players to have donned the black and gold. While Wheeler looks back on his notable career, Johnson’s resolve to continue playing adds another layer of intrigue to the Bruins' roster. Fans will be watching closely as both players navigate these pivotal junctures of their careers.
