Tyler Johnson: Won't return Friday

Johnson will not return to Friday's game due to an undisclosed issue, Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Johnson played just one shift before leaving the game, and now it's been determined he won't return due to an undisclosed issue. The forward had sustained an upper-body injury that caused him to miss three games between Nov. 16-21, so hopefully this mystery issue doesn't threaten any more of his playing time. He may only be 5-foot-8, 185 pounds, but Johnson is a smooth-skating firecracker that has the ability to explode offensively on short notice. He's picked up four goals and seven assists in 20 games this season after pouring on 72 combined goals and assists last year. His next chance to play will come Saturday against the Islanders, but that's no guarantee at this point.