Newest Bruin Tyler Johnson is excited to be back in the game

“It wasn't the most fun experience, obviously, but I'm here now so it's worth the effort,” Johnson said after the morning skate. “And yeah, it's one of those times where I really hate watching hockey. That's why it's hard for me to watch for so long and not be there. So it’s nice to be back.”

Johnson, 34, who said it never occurred to him that he wouldn't get another chance to play in the NHL, pointed to the open lines of communication he maintained with the team and the confidence he still has could be a productive player who kept him going.

Belonging to a team that had prospects for success led him to Boston.

“That was the biggest thing for me,” he said. “And the Boston organization is just top-notch in teaching. And the first day I was here you could see the professionalism from top to bottom and it just felt really good, you just felt like you were at home. And from the first day I got here, I knew I wanted to be here.”

A 12-year veteran with 193 goals, 431 points and two Stanley Cups (with the Lightning) on ​​his resume, Johnson was on point Matt Poitras And Trent Frederick.

“Just play my game with some energy and try to help the team as best I can,” Johnson said of his expectations for Game 1. “Obviously it's been a while, so I'm going to try to keep it simple and straightforward . “Just move my feet.”

Johnson has a track record despite being a Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said it was more than just an insult that led to the decision to bring him into the fold.

“Energy, poise, wisdom and fair game management,” Montgomery said. “He’s going to make plays. He will be able to help us on the bench. Just another experienced voice that won a few trophies.”

Johnson trained at home with the Bruins, but differently Danton Heinen He didn't travel last year. He appreciated the chance to work with his future teammates but cautioned, “It’s different than games.”

“You can wrap yourself up (skating) and do different things, but until you get into those game situations, it’s a little weird,” he said. “So I hope I can shake off the rust here pretty quickly.”

Johnson worked with Poitras and Frederic throughout the morning and was excited to see what the trio could accomplish.

“I think both players are really talented, especially Potsy, he has everything around the puck,” Johnson said. “He likes to play with it, so I think when he has it, it’s just a matter of opening up for him. And with Freddy, he's a stubborn guy. It's hard to play against him. It will be fun to fight with these guys.”

As far as making his debut in Toronto, it seemed only fitting.

“I think it’s a great rivalry,” Johnson said. “Obviously we saw the teams play in the playoffs and even when I was in Tampa we didn't particularly like the Leafs. I feel kind of at home there.”

Matthews is missing from the Maple Leafs

The Leafs were without a captain Austin Matthewswho suffers from an upper body injury on a daily basis.

“The guys need to step up and Auston is such a big part of our team, but that’s how it goes,” he said Max Domiwho jumped into the top line Mitch Marner And Matthew Knies. “There are 82 games and you’re not going to have your full lineup for all 82 of them. So you have to get used to that.”

Marner came into the game on a heater after recording a point in five straight games. He led Toronto with two goals and 14 points.

A first for Brazeau's grandmother

Bruins winger Justin Brazeaus Grandmother, Heather BrazeauShe was in attendance at Scotiabank and saw Justin play as an NHL player for the first time.

“She’s always been my biggest fan,” he said after the morning skate.

The 6-foot-6-inch, 227-pound native of New Liskeard, Ontario grew up a Leafs fan. After a stellar run in the Ontario Hockey League, Brazeau was signed by the Toronto Marlies, the Leafs' AHL team. He was eventually signed by Providence and received a two-year contract with the university last season.

“(The Leafs) gave me the opportunity to play professional hockey,” Brazeau said. “I'm very grateful for that and everything they did for me when I was here in the summer. “When I was here, some of the older people just looked after me so well and made sure I was comfortable felt.”

Brazeau said he's still close Jason Spezzawho now works for the Penguins.

Jones claimed waivers

The Bruins placed Max Jones on waivers. The striker signed a two-year contract worth $1 million per season. Teams have 24 hours to claim Jones. . . Forward Morgan Geekie and defenders Bricklayer Lohrei were the Bruins' healthy scratches… Bruins fans heading to the Great White North were treated to spring-like temperatures in the low 70s. In fact, it was so warm that the 72.5 Fahrenheit recorded at Pearson International Airport (that's 22.5 Celsius for our Canadian friends) broke a 65-year-old record of 68 set in 1959… Song of the Night: “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes.

Jim McBride can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @globejimmcbride.