Long-time Avalanche defenceman leaving the team after 13 seasons
After spending parts of 13 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, defenceman Erik Johnson is reportedly going to test free agency, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan.
"Hearing Colorado likely won't re-sign Erik Johnson.
The veteran defenseman will hit the open market when free agency begins July 1." Kaplan said in a tweet on Thursday.
The veteran defenseman will hit the open market when free agency begins July 1." Kaplan said in a tweet on Thursday.
Johnson, 35, was traded to the Colorado Avalanche during the 2010-11 season from the St. Louis Blues, who selected him first overall in 2006. In 717 career games with Colorado, Johnson had 246 points (68 goals, 178 assists), 370 penalty minutes and was a plus-19.
The Bloomington, Minnesota native played a key defensive role during the 2022 playoffs, appearing in 20 games as the Avalanche hoisted their third Stanley Cup in franchise history.
It'll be interesting to see where Johnson signs for next season, but there should be plenty of interest when he hits the open market on Canada Day, with a short-term deal, possibly one-year, the most likely option.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Johnson will be playing in the NHL next season? | ||
| Yes | 84 | 54.2 % |
| No | 28 | 18.1 % |
| He'll retire | 32 | 20.6 % |
| Unsure | 11 | 7.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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