The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have acquired a talented defenseman from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward one of their beloved stars.
He i, 36, is returning to the Avalanche organization, where he spent parts of 13 seasons from 2010–11 through 2022–23—the second-longest tenure by any defenseman in franchise history (behind Adam Foote’s 17 seasons). During his time with Colorado, he appeared in 717 games, second only to Foote’s 967, and played in all 20 postseason contests during the 2022 playoffs, playing a key role in the team’s Stanley Cup triumph that year. His contributions were recognized with selections to both the Avalanche’s Quarter Century All-Second Team (voted by fans and covering players from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2024) and the 20th Anniversary Team in 2015. He is none other than Erik Johnson.
Since joining the Flyers this season, Johnson has suited up in 22 games, recording three points (one goal and two assists). Notably, he played his 1,000th NHL game against the Avalanche on November 18 at the Wells Fargo Center.
A native of Bloomington, Minnesota, Johnson has appeared in 1,009 NHL games, placing him 26th among American-born defensemen. Drafted first overall by St. Louis in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, he is only the sixth defenseman selected at the top spot to play over 1,000 games in the league. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, Johnson has amassed 346 points (94 goals and 252 assists) over a 17-year NHL career with the Blues, Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, and Flyers.
In the postseason, Johnson has contributed 13 points (five goals and eight assists) in 55 playoff games—all with the Avalanche. During the 2022 Cup run, he notched five points (one goal and four assists) along with a +10 rating.
A product of the United States National Team Development Program, Johnson helped Team USA secure a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He also played pivotal roles in earning bronze medals at the 2013 IIHF World Championship in Stockholm/Helsinki and the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship in Sweden, in addition to participating in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Johnson made his NHL debut with the St. Louis Blues in the 2007-08 season and spent his first few seasons with them before being traded to Colorado on February 18, 2011. With the Avalanche, he tallied 246 points (68 goals and 178 assists), ranking him sixth among the franchise’s defensemen. He set a personal best with 30 assists and matched his career-high of 39 points in the 2013-14 season, followed by his selection to his first NHL All-Star Game in 2014–15 (though he was injured and did not play). Prior to the 2015-16 season, he signed a seven-year contract extension with Colorado.
After being drafted, Johnson spent one season at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a spot on the 2006–07 WCHA All-Rookie Team. He became only the second U.S.-born defenseman to be selected first overall, following Bryan Berard in 1995.
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