Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
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, 251a for 345 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.
“I’m not expecting Erik Johnson to replace Sean Walker,” Briere said following the trade. Briere wanted him to come on board because he’s played in the playoffs and won a Cup, so Briere is hoping that Johnson helps the youth with tutelage in crunch time, and can provide depth when called upon.
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