Erik Johnson

Playing career

Junior

Johnson played hockey for the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota, where he starred in his two seasons as a freshman and sophomore at the prep school. In the 2003–04 season he led all defenseman in scoring with 13 goals and 34 points to be selected to the Missota All-Conference Team. As a 16-year old Johnson transferred to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to play for the National Team Development Program (NTDP).

In the 2004–05 season, he split time between the U.S. National under-17 and under-18 squads, compiling 26 points in 57 games, tops amongst defenseman. Having been scouted as being tailored to suit the professional ranks with his hybrid two-way style and physicality, Johnson continued his rise in development the following season with a team-leading 49 points in 47 games with the under-18's. While also having a major impact at the junior international stage, Johnson was selected first overall in the 2006 NHL entry draft by the St. Louis Blues. He became the first American-born defenseman to be selected first overall without having played Canadian major junior or collegiate hockey. He joined a select group of five (now eight following Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Jack Hughes) Americans to have been chosen first overall in an NHL entry draft, along with Rick DiPietro (2000), Bryan Berard (1995), Mike Modano (1988), and Brian Lawton (1983).

Having committed to the University of Minnesota, Johnson also became the first Golden Gopher and Minnesotan to be taken first overall. Despite the willingness to turn professional, Johnson was not signed to a professional contract with the Blues, becoming the first player in 44 years to play college hockey after being selected No.1 overall. In his freshman campaign with the Golden Gophers during the 2006–07 season, Johnson quickly established a top defensive role and accumulated 4 goals and 24 points in 41 contests to lead all WCHA rookie defenseman and earn a selection to the WCHA All-Rookie Team. Johnson concluded his collegiate career after his freshman year when he was signed by the St. Louis Blues to a three-year, entry-level contract on April 20, 2007.

Professional

St. Louis Blues (2007–2011)

Upon concluding his collegiate career, Johnson attended the Blues' Development Camp and 2007 Prospects Tournament. His first career NHL goal came on October 6 in a 5–3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. The goal was scored on a power play with 7:17 left in the third period and became the game-winning goal. After playing three games with the Blues, Johnson suffered a slight bone fracture in his foot. As a result, he was re-assigned to the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League (AHL) on a conditioning stint. Johnson re-joined the Blues on November 7 but struggled to get back into the lineup. However, once he became a mainstay in the Blues' lineup he began a productive rookie campaign. By January, he tallied 16 points to tie for 10th amongst all NHL rookies and fourth on the team with a plus-10 rating. As such, he was selected for the NHL's 2008 YoungStars Game. As the season continued, his ice time fluctuated from a season high 22:0 to a season-low 11 minutes although he typically averaged 17 minutes per game. He finished his rookie season averaging over 18 minutes of ice-time per game to go with 5 goals and 28 assists in 69 games.

Following his rookie season, Johnson injured his right knee during the 2008 offseason which sidelined him for the first three days of training camp. It was later confirmed by the team's orthopedic surgeon that Johnson had torn his ACL and MCL. In November, Johnson underwent surgery successful right knee ACL surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2008-09 season. Johnson returned for the 2009–10 season strong by setting new career-highs with 10 goals, 29 assists for 39 points. On August 2, 2010, as a restricted free agent, Johnson re-signed with the Blues with a two-year, $5.2 million contract.

In the first year of his newest contract, Johnson was named an assistant captain alongside David Backes, Barret Jackman, and Alexander Steen. Johnson tallied one goal and nine assists in 29 games before suffering a knee injury in December 2010.

Colorado Avalanche (2011–2023)

Upon returning from his knee injury, Johnson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, along with Jay McClement and a conditional first-round pick, in exchange for Chris Stewart, Kevin Shattenkirk and a conditional second-round pick on February 19, 2011. Later that day, Johnson made his Avalanche debut at the HP Pavilion at San Jose in a 4–0 loss to the San Jose Sharks. In his second game, Johnson faced his former team and posted his first goal as a member of the Avalanche in a 4–3 win. As a result of his goal against St. Louis, Johnson earned Avalanche "Play of the Week" award. He finished the rest of the season with three goals and seven assists for 10 points through 22 games.

Johnson began the 2011–12 season healthy but was shortly placed on injured reserve in November due to a groin injury. Upon returning to the lineup in January, Johnson extended his assist/point streak to three games and led all Avalanche defensemen with 18 assists. As he remained healthy for the remainder of the season, Johnson finished the season by leading all Colorado defensemen in scoring with 26 points while averaging 20:50 of ice time per game. After signing Johnson to a four-year, $15 million extension, General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman said: "Since Erik’s arrival in Colorado, he has provided stability, size, and an offensive presence to our blueline...At only 24 years of age, we believe that Erik will continue to grow his game and we are thrilled to have him under contract."

On January 23, 2013, Johnson played in his 300th career NHL game. A few weeks later, it was announced that Johnson would remain out indefinitely after he suffered a head injury in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes. Upon returning to the lineup, Johnson recorded a career-high eight hits against the Dallas Stars, becoming the second Avalanche to reach this milestone since the league began tracking the stat in 2005.

Prior to the conclusion of the 2013–14 offseason, Johnson was told by head coach Patrick Roy to come back with less bulk and less weight. As such, he focused on mobility and agility and dropped 10 pounds. Upon returning for the 2014–15 season, analyst Ray Ferraro praised Johnson for becoming "aggressive without being careless." He continued to produce offensively and led all NHL defensemen with a career-high 12 goals by January. He also ranked first on the Avalanche in goals, average ice time, blocked shots, and power-play goals. As such, he became the first Avalanche defenseman to be selected for the NHL All-Star Game since Rob Blake in 2003-04. However, Johnson did not compete in the All-Star Game nor the final 34 games of the season due to a knee injury. Despite this, Johnson signed a seven-year, $42 million extension with the Avalanche.

Upon recovering from his knee injury, Johnson remained relatively healthy for the 2015–16 season and played in 73 games to reach the 500-game mark. He reached numerous milestones throughout the season including scoring his 50th career goal against the Dallas Stars on October 10, 2015. Nearly a month later, Johnson also reached 200 career points with an assist on François Beauchemin's goal against the Boston Bruins. He finished the regular season with 11 goals and 16 assists for third amongst Avalanche blueliners in scoring with 27 points. This marked the third straight season in which he ended the year as one of the top three scoring defenders on the team.

During the 2017–18 season Johnson played in his 600th NHL game on December 3, 2017, in a 7–2 loss to the Dallas Stars. At the time, Johnson led the team, and was the fifth highest in the league, in average ice time at 26:24 minutes.

On February 29, 2020, Johnson became the first defenseman from the 2006 draft to reach 300 points, and the 37th United States-born defenseman in NHL history to hit the 300-point mark.

Four games into the 2020–21 season, Johnson sustained a concussion after a hit from Minnesota Wild forward Jordan Greenway caused his head to make contact with the ice. He missed the remainder of the regular season, and while he returned to practice during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, Johnson was unable to play before the Avalanche were eliminated in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights.

With the addition of the Seattle Kraken to the NHL in advance of the 2021–22 season, the 2021 NHL expansion draft was scheduled to be held. Each team had the opportunity to protect only a certain number of players, and Johnson was among the Colorado players contractually guaranteed protection in such a scenario. However, he announced that he would waive his no-movement clause, allowing the Avalanche to protect more of their younger defencemen from being selected. The Kraken did not take Johnson, opting instead for Joonas Donskoi. Due to a bout of COVID-19, Johnson missed the beginning of the season. After three consecutive seasons of being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, in the 2022 playoffs the Avalanche reached the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2002. Facing the Edmonton Oilers, the Avalanche won the series in four games, advancing to the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals against the two time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. The Avalanche ultimately defeated the Lightning in six games to win the Stanley Cup championship on June 26, 2022. Johnson was first in line in the cup handoff process, honouring his long tenure with the Avalanche organization.

Buffalo Sabres (2023–2024)

At the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, Johnson left the Avalanche as a free agent following 13 seasons with the club and was signed to a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2023. By his own admission, Johnson had a disappointing season with the underperforming Sabres, which he partially attributed to difficulty in adjusting to a new market after spending 13 seasons with the Avalanche, and his age as a veteran defenceman.

Philadelphia Flyers (2024–2025)

On March 8, 2024, with the struggling Sabres out of playoff contention, Johnson was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Flyers, who were in the midst of a surprising season where they had exceeded general public expectations, were in the midst of a push for the playoffs, while also dealing with several injuries to their defence at the time of the trade. Ultimately, the Flyers would miss the postseason by five points.

On July 1, after testing the market on the opening day of free agency, Johnson opted to return to the Flyers on a one-year, $1 million contract. Johnson subsequently played his 1,000th NHL game on November 16, becoming just the 25th United States-born defenseman to achieve the milestone, and also just the 403rd player in NHL history and 16th Flyer to reach the mark.

Return to Colorado and retirement (2025)

On March 7, 2025, at the NHL trade deadline, Johnson was traded back to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Givani Smith.

Entering the 2025–26 season, Johnson reportedly had several professional tryout offers from teams other than Colorado; however, he instead opted to announce his retirement from hockey on October 1, 2025.

International play

As a product of the US NTDP, Johnson first made his international debut for the United States at the 2005 World U17 Hockey Challenge. In the same year, he captured a gold medal as a 17-year-old at the 2005 World Under-18 Championships. Johnson scored ten points in six games the 2006 World Under-18 championships to help the U.S. retain the gold medal, and was selected as the Bob Johnson Award winner as the Best American player in international competition.

Johnson was a member of the U.S. junior team that won a bronze medal in the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He was named to the tournament's All-Star Team and was named the tournament's Best Defenseman. Johnson finished the tournament with four goals and six assists for ten points, becoming the first defenseman to lead the tournament in scoring.

Representing the senior U.S. team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Johnson received a silver medal after losing in overtime to Canada in the final.

Johnson was chosen to participate in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey for United States team.

Personal life

Johnson's uncle is Sean Duffy, the United States Secretary of Transportation, a Republican politician, and a former U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional district.

In addition to his accomplished career as an NHL defenseman, Johnson is a proprietor and commercial racehorse breeder for ERJ Racing, LLC. He refers to his racing business as "my outlet away from hockey and my passion."

One of his racehorses, Landeskog, is named after his teammate Gabriel Landeskog.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

Awards and honors

References

References

1. (July 24, 2006). "Blues top pick Erik Johnson to attend Minnesota this Fall". [[Minnesota Golden Gophers]].
2. (June 24, 2006). "Erik Johnson: The Invisible No.1". [[CBS Sports]].
3. (June 24, 2006). "Blues take defenseman Erik Johnson with No.1 draft pick". [[USAToday]].
4. (April 20, 2007). "Blues Sign First Overall Draft Pick Erik Johnson". [[St. Louis Blues]].
5. (June 26, 2007). "Blues to Hold Development Camp July 9–13". National Hockey League.
6. (September 6, 2007). "Blues to Participate in 2007 Prospects Tournament". National Hockey League.
7. (October 7, 2007). "Blues comeback win clinched by Johnson's first NHL goal". ESPN.
8. (April 21, 2008). "Johnson Gets Passing Grade". National Hockey League.
9. (November 5, 2007). "Erik Johnson Sent to Peoria on Conditioning Stint". National Hockey League.
10. (November 7, 2007). "Blues Recall Erik Johnson from Peoria". National Hockey League.
11. (January 15, 2008). "Johnson, Perron Named to NHL YoungStars Game". National Hockey League.
12. (February 25, 2008). "Johnson Proves He's Got the Goods". National Hockey League.
13. "Erik Johnson". Elite Prospects.
14. (September 18, 2008). "Johnson to Miss 3 Days of Training Camp". National Hockey League.
15. (September 23, 2008). "Erik Johnson Out Indefinitely". National Hockey League.
16. (November 19, 2008). "Johnson Undergoes Successful Surgery". National Hockey League.
17. (August 2, 2010). "Johnson Signs Two-Year Deal with Blues". National Hockey League.
18. (September 10, 2010). "Blues Name Captains and Assistants". National Hockey League.
19. (December 16, 2010). "Erik Johnson out with knee sprain". ESPN.
20. (February 19, 2011). "Avalanche acquire defenceman Erik Johnson in four-player trade with Blues". Sports Illustrated.
21. (February 20, 2011). "Johnson, McClement Debut For Colorado". National Hockey League.
22. (February 22, 2011). "Johnson Scores In Return To St. Louis". National Hockey League.
23. (February 28, 2011). "Johnson Earns Play Of The Week". National Hockey League.
24. (November 26, 2011). "Stefan Heaven". National Hockey League.
25. (January 19, 2012). "No. 88 Returns With A Vengeance". National Hockey League.
26. (July 3, 2012). "Avalanche Signs Johnson". National Hockey League.
27. (January 23, 2013). "Banking It In". National Hockey League.
28. (February 13, 2013). "Avalanche's Johnson out indefinitely with injury". Sportsnet.
29. (August 9, 2013). "Memorable Moments And Personal Milestones Of The 2012-13 Season". National Hockey League.
30. (January 12, 2015). "Erik Johnson meeting Avs' challenge". ESPN.
31. (January 10, 2015). "Johnson Selected To 2015 NHL All-Star Game". National Hockey League.
32. (January 26, 2015). "Johnson Out 3-8 Weeks With Knee Injury". National Hockey League.
33. (September 22, 2015). "Avalanche's Johnson scores $42M deal, says MacKinnon is next". Sportsnet.
34. (September 9, 2016). "Erik Johnson: 2015-16 Season In Review". National Hockey League.
35. (November 12, 2015). "Duchene lifts Avalanche over Bruins". ESPN.
36. (December 4, 2017). "Avs Can't Deliver Against Stars".
37. (December 17, 2017). "Erik Johnson suspended two games for boarding Namestnikov".
38. Baugh, Peter. (May 31, 2022). "Bowen Byram and Erik Johnson are a perfect pair — for the Avalanche and each other".
39. Baugh, Peter. (July 13, 2021). "Erik Johnson waives no-movement clause, giving Avalanche protection flexibility for Kraken draft".
40. (July 21, 2021). "Seattle selects Donskoi in expansion draft". [[Colorado Avalanche]].
41. (October 31, 2021). "Erik Johnson Scores Exciting First Goal of the Season versus Wild". National Hockey League.
42. (June 6, 2022). "Avalanche sweep Oilers, advance to Stanley Cup Final". [[Washington Post]].
43. "Avalanche Stanley Cup handoff goes from Landeskog to Erik Johnson".
44. (July 1, 2023). "Sabres sign veteran defenseman Erik Johnson to 1-year deal". [[Buffalo Sabres]].
45. Kurz, Kevin. (March 10, 2024). "Veterans Erik Johnson, Marc Staal thrust into key roles on Flyers' depleted blue line". The New York Times.
46. (March 8, 2024). "Flyers acquire Erik Johnson from Buffalo in exchange for a fourth round 2024 NHL Draft pick".
47. DeRosa, Michael. (March 8, 2024). "Sabres Trade Erik Johnson to Flyers".
48. Nolan, Siobhan. (July 11, 2024). "Erik Johnson Says Returning To Flyers Was A 'No-Brainer'". Roustan Media.
49. Meltzer, Bill. (November 16, 2024). "Johnson becomes 15th Flyer to achieve Silver Stick".
50. (November 15, 2024). "Johnson 'grateful and lucky' for journey to 1,000 NHL games".
51. (March 7, 2025). "Avalanche Acquire Erik Johnson".
52. Finnegan, Trent. (September 15, 2025). "Report: Erik Johnson draws several tryout offers, Avalanche not among them". [[KKFN]].
53. (October 1, 2025). "Erik Johnson retires from NHL after 17 seasons".
54. (February 1, 2006). "United States 2006 WJC Media Guide". [[USA Hockey]].
55. (July 1, 2007). "Canada eanrs 2007 World U20 Title".
56. (March 9, 2010). "David Backes and Erik Johnson show off their Olympic silver medals". St. Louis Today.
57. (May 27, 2016). "Matt Duchene, Erik Johnson, Carl Soderberg added to World Cup rosters". The Denver Post.
58. Dater, Adrian. "Around the Rink: No Doubt the NHL Is in a Golden Age of Young Talent".
59. Prewitt, Alex. "Meet Erik Johnson, race horse owner and breeder".
60. (June 9, 2019). "Colorado Avalanche: Erik Johnson's Horse in Grade 1 Race at Belmont".
61. (June 26, 2022). "Colorado Avalanche win first Stanley Cup since 2001 with Game 6 comeback". [[ESPN]].