Erik Johnson Calls It a Career

In a heartfelt announcement, former No. 1 overall pick and Stanley Cup champion defenseman, Erik Johnson, has declared his retirement from the NHL. The seasoned player made the announcement Wednesday, marking the end of an impressive 17-season career, most notably with the Colorado Avalanche.

Johnson's Journey Through the NHL

Drafted first overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2006, Johnson became the first defenseman to be selected at the top of the draft in a decade. After a year at the University of Minnesota, he made a significant impact with the Blues, establishing himself in the starting lineup by his rookie season in 2008. A setback from a knee surgery sidelined him for the entirety of the 2008-09 season, but he made a strong comeback, playing one and a half seasons before earning a silver medal with Team USA at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Johnson later transitioned to the Colorado Avalanche in 2011, where he became a cornerstone of their defensive lineup. His standout performance contributed to the Avs’ success, including their triumphant run to the 2022 Stanley Cup victory. During that playoff run, he averaged more than 17 minutes of ice time across all 20 games played, effectively aiding the franchise in clinching their third championship.

Following his stint with Colorado, Johnson played for the Buffalo Sabres ahead of the 2023 season and finished the year with the Philadelphia Flyers. However, the defenseman made a significant return to Colorado before the end of the 2024-25 season, culminating his career with two playoff games against the Dallas Stars in the 2025 playoffs.

A Legacy of Numbers

Across his illustrious NHL trajectory, Johnson played 1,023 regular-season games, ranking 25th in NHL history among U.S.-born defensemen. He accumulated a total of 95 goals and 253 assists, totaling 348 points. Furthermore, he excelled in the postseason, contributing five goals and eight assists over 57 playoff games with the Avalanche. His contributions have etched his name into Avalanche lore, as he retires ranked eighth in franchise history with 731 games played.

As Johnson hangs up his skates, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, talent, and key contributions to a franchise that cherished his presence both on and off the ice.