Erik Johnson Announces Retirement
In a heartfelt announcement on Wednesday, veteran defenseman Erik Johnson revealed his retirement after an impressive 17-year journey in the NHL, culminating in a memorable Stanley Cup victory with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. Johnson, who was initially selected as the first overall pick by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Draft, made headlines when he was traded to the Avalanche in 2011 as part of a significant trade deal.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, he participated in 1,023 regular-season contests, representing the Blues, Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, and Philadelphia Flyers. Over these games, Johnson achieved 95 goals and 253 assists while demonstrating his defensive prowess with 1,717 blocks and 1,695 hits.
At 37 years old, Johnson is a beloved figure in Denver, where he devoted the majority of his career, spending 14 of his 17 seasons with the Avalanche. A standout moment for the defenseman occurred off the ice during the Stanley Cup celebration parade, where he famously led fans in a sing-along of Blink-182’s “All the Small Things”, a tune that resonated as the team’s anthem during their championship season.
Farewell Statement
In his farewell statement, Johnson expressed, “I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude,” extending his thanks to the teams he played for, along with his coaches, colleagues, and loyal fans, emphasizing, “Your passion made every moment unforgettable.”
Franchise Legacy
His tenure with the Avalanche stands out in franchise history; Johnson is second only to Adam Foote for the longest-serving defenseman, having played 731 regular-season games for the team, whereas Foote had a total of 967. Johnson holds the franchise record for blocked shots with 1,373 and ranks third in hits among defensemen, totaling 1,288. As a significant achievement, he also finishes 25th in the league’s history for games played by American-born defensemen.
Career Conclusion
Johnson’s NHL debut took place with the St. Louis Blues on October 4, 2007, against the Phoenix Coyotes, where he registered an assist. He wrapped up his regular-season career on April 13 with the Avalanche, scoring an empty-net goal in a game against the Anaheim Ducks, and he added two playoff appearances against the Dallas Stars that year. Reflecting on his career, Johnson concluded,
“Hockey has been my life, and I’m grateful for every second. I’m excited for what’s next and will always cherish this journey.”
