Vancouver Canucks miss out on major opportunity to claim former Stanley Cup Champion off waivers

After singing a professional try out with the Boston Bruins this offseason, Tyler Johnson really impressed in training camp and in preseason, earning himself a contract for the 2024-2025 season.

Unfortunately for the Johnson and the Bruins, his play did not not translate over to the regular season, scoring 0 goals, just 2 assists and achieving a -1 rating in 9 games.

His play may have slipped, but the opportunity was not there as he was not given the minutes or line combinations to excel, which ultimately led to the Bruins deciding to place him on unconditional waivers.

In reality, the 34-year-old winger has slowed down since his days with the Tampa Bay Lighting, where he was a key contributor to their multiple Stanley Cup wins.

Although, not the player he once was, Johnson was still able to find success with the Chicago Blackhawks, mentoring young players like Connor Bedard and recording 31 points in 67 games.

With the Canucks looking for a depth winger, if given the right opportunity (like in preseason) Johnson showed that he can still be a high producing forward in the NHL, but the Canucks missed out on the opportunity.

When the clock struck midnight last night, the "NHL roster freeze" went into effect, disallowing NHL clubs to make trades, sign and claim players.

It was a low chance anyway that the Canucks would claim him, but regardless, the opportunity was taken away from them.