Former Colorado Avalanche great Erik Johnson officially called it a career on Wednesday. The 37-year-old played 19 seasons in the NHL, totaling over 1,000 games. He was a longtime member of the Avalanche, winning the 2022 Stanley Cup.
In Colorado, Johnson played 731 games, scoring 69 goals and 179 assists for 248 points. He was an influential leadership voice while delivering solid play on the ice. His best offensive season came in 2013-14, when he scored nine goals and added 30 assists for 39 points.
Erik Johnson, you are one of a kind.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 1, 2025
Thank you for all that you've done in burgundy and blue, and congrats on your retirement. pic.twitter.com/eePT6ox09G
In the postseason, Johnson played 57 games, notching five goals and 13 points. His performance during the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run was memorable, suiting up for a total of 20 games.
Johnson left Colorado via free agency after the 2022-23 season, eventually making his way back to the Avalanche at last season’s trade deadline. He suited up for 14 games down the stretch, registering two points. He also appeared in two playoff games.
The former first-overall pick hadn’t hinted at retirement. But apparently, no solid contract offers emerged. So, he opted to hang up his skates for good before the start of this season.
From first overall pick to Colorado Avalanche great
Erik Johnson was the first overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft for the St. Louis Blues. The Blues were often questioned about taking Johnson over other future stars like Jonathan Toews, Phil Kessel, or Claude Giroux.
Still, Johnson became a steady, reliable blueliner. He put up 39 points in the 2009-10 season, leading the team to sign him to a two-year extension. However, the Blues felt they were better off moving him before he hit free agency.
So, the Blues and Avalanche swapped young blueliners, with the Avalanche sending a former first-round pick of their own, Kevin Shattenkirk, for Johnson, among other pieces in the trade.
Johnson stuck with the Avalanche, eventually signing a seven-year contract in 2016. Colorado got its money’s worth in the trade. Johnson departed via free agency in 2023, but returned for one last go-around last season.
All told, Erik Johnson played for the Blues, Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, and Buffalo Sabres as part of his illustrious NHL career.