Observations:

February 2014 – Since Johnson and usual linemate Ondrej Palat were promoted to Tampa Bay’s top line with Martin St. Louis, the trio has emerged as one of the league’s top three scoring lines. Johnson has produced 17 points in his last 20 games and even had his first career hat trick against versus Colorado on January 25th. Look for Johnson to continue centering the top line and receive big minutes on the power play until Stamkos return to action, which could be approximately another month away. Randy Buschmann

January 2014 – Johnson’s undeniable chemistry with Ondrej Palat has earned the duo playing time with Martin St. Louis on Tampa Bay’s interim top line. His 26 points places him third among NHL rookies and ranks fifth on the Lightning. Johnson appears to have earned a permanent spot on the roster thanks to his speed, hockey sense, work ethic and two-way ability while showing flashes of offensive brilliance. Johnson is receiving power play time, as well as time on the penalty kill and has been counted on to take key faceoffs during Steven Stamkos absence from the lineup. His ability to handle the puck in tight spaces and evade getting hit also appears to be improving, all of which are very encouraging signs for Tampa Bay and fantasy GMs everywhere. Randall Buschmann

November 2013 – Through 16 games, Johnson is proving to be a valuable member of Tampa Bay in his first full season in the NHL. While centering Tampa Bay’s third line, he’s produced four goals, seven points and 38 shots on goal, which ranks third on the team. He’s also won over 52% of his faceoffs, also third on the team. Johnson has been a permanent fixture on the first penalty killing unit and second powerplay unit. Coach Jon Cooper’s obvious confidence in handing the rookie such important special teams minutes can only be a good sign for Johnson’s fantasy value. Randy Buschmann

October 2013 – Johnson has earned a spot on Tampa Bay’s opening night roster after impressive training camp and preseason showings.  He’s slated to start on the third line with his Syracuse linemates Ondrej Palat and Richard Panik. The trio has proven to be an effective line together in the AHL and their success together has translated to the NHL very well so far. Randy Buschmann

May 2013 – Johnson has started the Calder Cup playoffs with a bang scoring two goals and six points in three games as Syracuseswept Portland in the first round. This summer is arguably the most important of Johnson’s life, as he enters the final year of his entry level contract. If he wishes to earn a one-way contract and a permanent NHL position, he must work extra hard to add strength to his body, as it’s the only thing holding him back at this point. Johnson already possesses the skating ability, speed, offensive creativity and hockey sense to go along with an outstanding work ethic, so if he does successful get stronger, look out. Randy Buschmann

May 2013 – Johnson finished up his brief stint in Tampa Bay by going pointless with only five shots on goal in his final nine games. He received limited powerplay time but continued to show flashes of the player he could be with added strength. Johnson was sent back to Syracuse and netted five goals and seven points in three games. Johnson finished his second AHL campaign with 37 goals and 65 points in only 62 games, earning the goal scoring title. Johnson was also named the AHL’s Most Valuable Player, following the footsteps of his former teammate Cory Conacher who won the MVP last season. Randy Buschmann

April 2013 – Tyler Johnson has continued to improve his value during the 2012-13 season. Johnson has been the top scorer and a key contributor in all situations for Syracuse, leading the club with 32 goals and 58 points. Johnson finally earned a call-up with Tampa Bay last month and has stuck with the big club ever since. Johnson started his NHL stint strong with three goals, six points and six shots on goal in five games. In eight games since, Johnson is pointless with only four shots on goal, but his overall play generally receives positive reviews. Randy Buschman

December 2012 – Johnson is off to a blazing start, with 15 goals and 23 points in his first 20 AHL games. That’s good for third in the league. Tampa Bay already has Martin St. Louis, and they also have more highly-touted smaller prospects in Alex Killorn and Cory Conacher. Besides St. Louis, there may be only room for one more small, skilled forward. So Johnson has his work cut out for him, competing with Conacher and Killorn for one spot. But he looks more promising for it now than he did a month ago. Dobber

June 2012 – Undersized, undrafted, and undeserving of the criticism for his size. His talent for offense has always been exceptional. He’s produced at every level, but his size has scared many general managers away. Tampa Bay took a chance and signed him to play for the Norfolk Admirals, who he has helped lead to the Calder Cup Championship. His consistency is his greatest attribute. He has performed at a tad under a point-per-game average for most of his career and this trend continued even in the Calder Cup playoffs. Randy Buschmann

Fantasy Outlook: B

Modest upside. If he can land himself a role with the Tampa Bay Lightning then he would provide a good source of point totals as he must land a top 6 role to be truly effective in the NHL.

Footage:

Nice bang in goal off the rebound for the game winner

{youtube}Kjgb9C4zBoI{/youtube}

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.