Avalanche Wrap-Up: Johansen Acquired, Erik Johnson Era Likely Over

It happened. The Colorado Avalanche went out and traded for a center, but it wasn’t a player anyone really had on their radar.

Earlier in the week, news came out that the Avalanche and the longest tenured player on the team, Erik Johnson, are likely parting ways this summer.

Here’s a look back at what you might have missed the previous week at CHN, and a peak at what’s coming.

Monday

One of these players got snatched up already, but we took a look at some pending UFA‘s coming off injury that might be nice value pick-ups this summer.

The team’s 7th round draft pick last year, Ivan Zhigalov, is heading to his home country of Belarus to play next year.

Not sure how much smoke there actually is here, but the Avalanche were linked to defenseman Brett Pesce.

Tuesday

Another edition of the mailbag took a look at some under-the-radar trade options, as well as some landmines I would avoid this summer if I was in charge.

I spoke to a Swedish scout for some more in-depth reports on some of the draft prospects in Sweden. (+)

Wednesday

On Hall of Fame day, we took a look at who might be headed to the Hall some day on the current team.

Later that day, Pierre Lacroix, the architect two Stanley Cup winning Avalanche squads, was selected to go into the Hall of Fame later this year.

Thursday

Emily Kaplan with ESPN reported early on Thursday that Erik Johnson, the longest tenured athlete in Colorado, is unlikely to re-sign with the Avalanche.

With EJ leaving, the team will need to replace him. Who are some potential replacements out there?

Friday

We released an updated trade board, but with the sneaky pickup the next day, most of them can likely be ruled out now.

The 2023/24 Preseason schedule was released.

Saturday

In a surprise move, the Avalanche acquired center Ryan Johansen from the Nashville Predators for…not a whole lot.

What do we think of the trade? I dug into it more in our trade analysis.

Sunday

The National Hockey Now team completed a mock draft for Wednesday’s NHL Draft. Who did Colorado end up with?

Even with the acquisition of Johansen, the Avalanche have not ruled out bringing back J.T. Compher.

A Look Ahead to Next Week

• We continue our look ahead to the NHL draft with some late-round players to keep an eye on.
• On Monday, we’ll speak to Johansen about the trade.
• The NHL Draft is on Wednesday. Who will Colorado end up with?
• And on Saturday, free agency begins. It will be a busy week.

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