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Next to the Anaheim Ducks, the Tampa Bay Lighting are arguably the most dominating force in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tampa has had a very impressive playoff run, and a big factor behind their success can be attributed to their top line consisting of Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov. At the center of that line is Johnson, an undrafted gem who has been with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization since 2011 and had his first full 82-game season in 2013. After only two seasons, Johnson has already staked his claim for being one of the most talented players in the NHL.
Johnson began his path to the NHL playing in the Western Hockey League for the Spokane Chiefs. During his rookie season in 2007-08, Johnson recorded 35 points for an impressive rookie campaign. Johnson’s stats only got better each year, as he recorded 61 points in 2008-09, 71 points in 2009-10, and 115 points in 2010-11. Listed at 5′ 9″ and 175 lbs., he went undrafted despite his very impressive WHL career due to size concerns. Despite being undrafted, in 2011 Johnson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He began his professional career that same year with the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL, and played one season with the Syracuse Crunch.
Johnson debuted as a rookie for Tampa Bay in the 2013-14 season, recording 24 goals and 24 assists for 48 points. During his first season, he was nominated for the Calder Memorial award, which is given to the NHL’s top rookie. Now every team who passed on Johnson in the draft are feeling it on the score sheet. In only Johnson’s second season in the NHL, he has dominated with 29 goals and 43 assists for 72 points. Johnson’s dominant regular season form has continued into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as he is 1st in total points with 20.
By far been the best player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, if Tampa Bay were to win the Stanley Cup, Johnson would be a shoe-in for the Conn Smythe, which is awarded to the playoffs’ most valuable player. For an undrafted player, Johnson has had quite a remarkable first two years in the NHL.
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