Erik Johnson’s Free Agency Status
As NHL training camps approach, veteran defenseman Erik Johnson, previously of the Philadelphia Flyers, is still on the market as a free agent, but his situation may soon evolve. Reports from Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports indicate that the 37-year-old defenseman currently has three professional tryout (PTO) offers that he is weighing.
Current Offers and Team Dynamics
Notably, Johnson’s previous club, the Colorado Avalanche, is not among these options, despite the fact that he was traded there from the Flyers in a deal involving Givani Smith on March 7, just before the trade deadline.
While the Flyers could, in theory, consider Johnson for a tryout, sources suggest they are unlikely to pursue any new PTO players due to their existing defensive lineup. Philadelphia already has several players vying for spots, including Dennis Gilbert, Emil Andrae, Noah Juulsen, and Helge Grans, making it improbable for Johnson to find a fitting role with the team.
Performance and Future Prospects
After the transfer to Colorado, Johnson saw some resurgence, appearing in 14 games where he recorded a goal and an assist, with his average ice time rising significantly from 13:18 minutes in Philadelphia to 16:36 minutes during his stint with the Avalanche. In the postseason, Johnson also participated in two games, which indicates that he can still be a dependable veteran presence, even if he is no longer a regular starter in the league.
Conclusion
Regardless of what unfolds, should Johnson move forward with a PTO from a different team, it would mark his fourth team in three seasons, reflecting the unpredictable nature of his career as he seeks a stable spot in the NHL.
