MAJOR BREAKING: Colorado Avalanche Confirm Another Massive Deal After a Late-Night Blockbuster on Thursday, Land $31.5 million Highly Talented Familiar Star Blockbuster Trade

The Colorado Avalanche were not done making trades at Friday’s trade deadline. Following a late-night transaction on Thursday, the Avalanche acquired another talented star from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt on Friday morning.

On Friday afternoon, the Avs welcomed back Erik Johnson. Johnson spent more than a decade with the Colorado Avalanche, appearing in 717 games. Johnson was a key member of the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning club.

Johnson signed with the Buffalo Sabres during the 2023 summer and was traded during the 2023-24 season after playing 50 games in Buffalo. Johnson was a last-minute addition for the Philadelphia Flyers as they attempted to make the playoffs.

However, the Flyers, still in rebuilding mode, saw little use for the 36-year-old blue liner. Johnson had only participated in 22 games with the Flyers this season, recording one goal and two assists. Johnson made his 1,000th NHL appearance earlier this season.

Givani Smith is moving in the opposite direction. Smith and MacKenzie Blackwood were acquired from the San Jose Sharks earlier in the season. Smith appeared in a few games before being sent down to the Colorado Eagles.

Smith is unlikely to make the Flyers’ roster and will most likely report to the AHL. Still, the Flyers may have a need for Smith after moving Scott Laughton to the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier that day. As a result, the Flyers may require some healthy bodies to round out their forward lineup for the rest of the season.

Colorado Avalanche get depth defensive help and leadership in Johnson

After acquiring Ryan Lindgren from the New York Rangers last week, the Avalanche filled a significant gap on their blue line. Furthermore, the trade of Oliver Kylington for Brock Nelson creates a position for a seventh defenseman.

Johnson is likely to be the seventh blueliner. While Johnson may see some time in the press box down the stretch, he might replace Sam Malinski in the third pairing. Johnson’s experience and tenacity make him an excellent candidate for a challenging first-round playoff series.

Regardless of who the Avalanche meet in the first round, the team will undoubtedly benefit from Johnson’s leadership. departure of other veterans like Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Andrew Cogliano.