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Erik Johnson’s Leadership Abilities

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson is a great leader on the team. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

EJ doesn’t wear a letter. He did in St. Louis, and he did for a little while for the Avalanche, but he’s not wearing a letter now. As head coach Patrick Roy pointed out, that hardly matters when it comes to leadership qualities.

By all accounts, until his surgery took him out of the game, Johnson was the Avalanche’s best player all year. Roy said it. Announcers said it. Hockey analysts said it. In fact, he was the only Avalanche to get invited to the All Star Weekend. Unfortunately, he couldn’t go because of his knee surgery.

And Erik Johnson did it while he was in pain. That aforementioned knee surgery was due to recurring pain. However, he had worked supremely hard in the off-season with renowned trainer Andy O’Brien, losing weight and increasing his stamina. With that increased stamina came increased ice time for the Avalanche — he led the team, usually playing between 22 to 25 minutes. EJ thrived. He still has more goals on the team than any other defenseman — and he’s missed 23 games. There was even Norris Trophy talk.

Johnson works so well with the media. Not only does he know the right thing to say, he speaks with candor. He also gives some of the best hockey explanations — when he retires from the Avalanche at 55, he ought to think about teaching hockey.

I don’t know how Johnson is in the locker room, of course. However, I guess he’s as passionate as he is on the ice. I suspect he’s the kind of guy whose approval you want. And I imagine he uses his humor because…