Johnson, pick traded to Blackhawks by Lightning for Seabrook

Tyler Johnson was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday for Brent Seabrook.

Chicago also received a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Johnson, a forward who will turn 31 on Thursday, has three seasons remaining on a seven-year, $35 million contract ($5 million average annual value) he signed with the Lightning on July 10, 2017.

"I really did feel, last year and then this year, that something was going to happen," Johnson said.. "Maybe it took longer than everyone anticipated. We ended up getting a [Stanley] Cup and that was pretty cool. Now that [the trade has] finally happened, I think it's going to make my life a lot easier, kind of relax a little bit, look forward to something, not wondering what if or what's going to happen. I'm really excited for the opportunity.

Seabrook, a a 36-year-old defenseman, said in March that he was ending his playing career because of an injury to his right hip. His eight-year contract, with an annual average value of $6.875 million, runs through the 2023-24 season.

Johnson scored 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 55 regular-season games and seven points (four goals, three assists) in 23 Stanley Cup Playoff games to help the Lightning win the Stanley Cup for the second straight season.

Johnson was enjoying his day with the Stanley Cup on Wednesday.

"I think bittersweet is a pretty good word for everything," Johnson said "I get to celebrate with the Cup, kind of say a last goodbye and then get a look forward to the next chapter of my life playing with Chicago. it was kind of a shock when I first got that phone call but at the same time super excited. They're a great organization, they have a lot of talent on the team. I kind of felt like I was going somewhere, and I'm very happy it's an organization like Chicago."

The Blackhawks have been aggressive in remaking their team during the past two weeks, with trades for defenseman Seth Jones and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury among the highlights. Now, they add a forward who can assume top-six minutes if needed or occupy an integral role on the third line, as he did with Tampa Bay during the past few seasons.

"Tyler Johnson adds a large amount of skill and depth to our offense," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. "His versatility across the lineup, two-way play and championship experience throughout his career make our lineup stronger. We look forward to watching the immediate impact he will have on our team."

RELATED: 2021-22 NHL Trade Tracker

Johnson is eager for the challenge that awaits in Chigaco.

"The role's been different in Tampa just with the way our team was built and what we needed," he said. "I've always tried to be team-first, whatever you need me to do I'll do. I think our entire team was that way and that's why we won. The role was a little bit smaller than I wished, but I'm hoping with this fresh start, coming to Chicago, being able to get an opportunity and just kind of seeing where it goes from there.

Signed by Tampa Bay on March 7, 2011, Johnson scored 361 points (161 goals, 200 assists) in 589 regular-season games and 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) in 116 playoff games.

Johnson is tied with Steven Stamkos for sixth in Lightning playoff goals and is eighth in assists and points.

"I'd like to personally thank Tyler for what he has meant to this organization over the past nine years since he joined the Lightning as an undrafted free agent," Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois said. "He played a pivotal role in the success the team has enjoyed and will forever be remembered as two-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Bolts. We wish him all the best in Chicago."

The Lightning played last season with forward Marian Gaborik and goalie Anders Nilsson on long-term injured reserve after they were acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Senators. Each of those contracts has expired.

With forward Nikita Kucherov also on long-term injured reserve during the regular season, the Lightning had more than $17 million in NHL salary cap relief, allowing them to exceed the $81.5 million cap by that much.

Seabrook did not play this season and was on long-term injured reserve.

"I would first like to thank Brent for his cooperation in this process," Bowman said. "Throughout his career, Brent put his team first, and we appreciate all his many accomplishments with and contributions to the Chicago Blackhawks. He will be remembered as a champion and will always be a part of the Blackhawks family."

Seabrook last played Dec. 15, 2019. He had shoulder surgery 12 days later, had a procedure on his left hip in January 2020 and one on his right hip in February 2020.

"Over a three-month period from December 2019 to February 2020, Brent underwent successful surgeries on both of his hips and his right shoulder," Blackhawks physician Dr. Michael Terry said. "He has worked extremely hard to recover from those surgeries but has a long-term issue with his right hip that is preventing him from playing professional hockey. We have tried all available conservative treatments, and nothing has worked well enough for him to live life as an athlete."

Seabrook was selected by the Blackhawks in the first round (No. 11) of the 2003 NHL Draft and scored 464 points (103 goals, 316 assists) in 1,114 NHL games. He scored 59 points (20 goals, 39 assists) in 123 playoff games, helping the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

"I am so proud to have played my entire 15-year National Hockey League career in Chicago with the Blackhawks," Seabrook said. "It was an honor to play the game that I love, with teammates I love, in front of fans I love, in a city that my family and I have grown to love. After several surgeries, countless hours of rehab and training to get back on the ice at the level of my expectations, it will not be possible for me to continue playing hockey. This is what is best for me and my family."