Could Veteran On PTO Provide Bruins With Needed Boost?

The Bruins started the season inconsistent and out of sorts, and a roster move could be made to alleviate their issues.

Boston got back on track Saturday with a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden. The results were there, but Jim Montgomery’s side continued to be plagued by penalty issues and a lack of synergy with the middle-six lines.

The Black and Gold have an opportunity to add someone to the roster to provide help, and NESN’s Bruins broadcaster Judd Sirott highlighted a forward on a PTO.

“You still have Tyler Johnson who is still hanging around, continues to practice with the team. The team is going to go on an upcoming road trip here,” Sirott told Adam Pellerin on “The Hockey Hub” podcast. “Following the game against the Flyers, the Bruins, as you point out, going to Carolina, going to Philly. Then they got a back-to-back game, and then they’re gonna back back Sunday and see the Seattle Kraken. Will we see Tyler Johnson at some point?

“The other guy that we haven’t really mentioned is Riley Tufte, went on waivers, cleared, went down. So some space has been created. Is that enough to get Tyler Johnson onto the roster and into the lineup? And if he does go into the lineup, who comes out?”

Pellerin pointed out that Danton Heinen started last season on a PTO before signing on Oct. 30 last year. Johnson might be on a similar timeline, and the two-time Stanley Cup champion could slot at center or right wing.

General manager Don Sweeney and Montgomery would need to make a tough decision, but it’s clear something needs to happen for Boston to get back on track to start the season.

You can listen to more of Sirott and Pellerin on “The Hockey Hub” on YouTube or Spotify.