Erik Johnson, 36, netted three goals and 24 penalty minutes in 50 games with Buffalo Sabres last season. He was traded to the Flyers for a 2024 fourth round pick, as they were decimated with injuries on the backend, to include Jamie Drysdale, Nick Seeler, and Rasmus Ristolainen. To make matters worse, Cam York and Travis Sanheim were a bit banged up from blocking shots, so It was nice to have that veteran, depth presence that Johnson provided.
The Flyers re-signed him to a one-year deal this past offseason ,“It was a highlight of my career playing in Philly. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed all those guys, the staff, living in Philly,” Erik Johnson said at exit interviews.
Johnson re-signing made sense for the the Flyers, as he is a vocal leader inside the Flyers locker room, “You guys don’t know everything he does. As a Veteran guy, whether he’s in or out, he’s making a difference everyday. It’s great seeing him score,” Travis Konecny said following the game against the San Jose Sharks.
The 6’4, 225-pound, Defenseman in Johnson hails from Bloomington, Minnesota. He led the Sabres in shorthanded time on ice (152:31) and in shorthanded TOI/game (3:03) last season. For his career, Johnson has tallied 340 points (94g, 252a for 346 points) in 18 seasons in the NHL, all with the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, the Buffalo Sabres, and the Philadelphia Flyers. He also won the 2021-22 Stanley Cup with the Avalanche and served as an alternate captain for six seasons with Colorado and for one season with the Blues.
Johnson understood his role with Philadelphia, and Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella always spoke of him highly. He only suited up in 22 games played this season, while only telling one goal and two assists. Johnson cut the room light, and always made jokes while reading books on the ice during practice. He always came to work with a smile on his face.
Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere did right by him, with dealing him back to Colorado. He now has a chance to win another Stanley Cup.
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