Colorado Avalanche: Evaluation and Areas of Improvement for Erik Johnson

The Colorado Avalanche’s cornerstone of the blueline,Erik Johnson, had a 2017-18 season that would have been enhanced by staying healthy.

Colorado Avalanche alternate captain, defenseman Erik Johnson, had a pretty good season. As often happens in Johnson’s case, he would have had a better season if he’s stayed healthy. However, he missed 18 games with two different injuries. He missed an additional two games with a suspension.

I don’t want to be too hard on the season Johnson had. Indeed, he played quite well when he was in the lineup. He led all Avs players in ice time and was simply one of their steadiest players.

However, let’s drill down into Johnson’s season a little more fully then find some specific areas for improvement.

Evaluation of Erik Johnson’s 2017-18 Season

Goals: 9
Assists: 16
Shots: 168
Shooting percentage: 5.4%
Takeaway vs. giveaway ratio: 1.1
Hits: 114
Hits per game: 1.8
CF%: 47.5%
CF% Rel: -0.1

If he’d played a full 82-game season, Johnson was on-pace to earn 34 points, with 12 of those being goals. Though 34 points would have been only his second-best total, the 12 goals would have matched his career best.

At 1.1, his takeaway/giveaway was the second-best it’s ever been. In 2013-14, he was at 1.2.

A statistic that’s not represented above is the fact that Erik Johnson scored three game-winning goals. That’s the best he’s done since his rookie year in St. Louis, when he also scored three game-winners.

Another interesting statistic that doesn’t appear above is Johnson’s zone starts. He started in the defensive zone 53% of the time with 47% coming in the offensive zone. To be honest, Colorado seemed to be using him in a shutdown role, so I was surprised more of his zone starts weren’t in the d-zone.

Unfortunately, as Johnson’s overall ice time increased, his time on the power play decreased to rest him. Tyson Barrie is the first power play quarterback because of his offensive abilities. As the coaching staff grew more confident in Sam Girard, he relieved Johnson of some of his power play duties.

Areas of Improvement for Erik Johnson

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The number-one area for improvement for Erik Johnson is something I don’t think he can actually help — staying healthy. He came into camp last year exceeding expectations for his fitness levels. There’s no question he’s training right.

He just can’t stay healthy. He’s never played a full season. He came close in 2013-14 when he played 80 games. He was healthy enough to play all 82, but the Department of Player “Safety” got him for two games.

Up to a point, that’s something Johnson can control. He’s 99% of the time a level-headed player. However, he’s a fierce competitor, and every now and again he lets his anger get the best of him. Twice now that’s led to plays that the DoPS deemed suspension-worthy. (I didn’t agree with either ruling, but that’s now surprising.)

Erik Johnson just turned 30 this year, which is his prime as a defenseman. But… it’s only a few years until he’s considered a veteran. There’s really nothing in his game that needs improving. Now, it’s his leadership.

It’s time for EJ to start grooming his heirs apparent. In just a couple years, he’s going to be unable to lead the team in ice time. He’s got to train some of the youngsters to take on some of his responsibilities.

And I do mean some. No one player the Colorado Avalanche have anywhere in the pipeline is going to be able to fill Johnson’s gigantic shoes — or skates, in this case. It’s going to take a village to take over for our cornerstone of the blueline.

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This is the year, Avs Nation. This is the year Erik Johnson is going to stay healthy and NOT get a suspension. That’s what the Colorado Avalanche need from him.