Breaking News
Avalanche Bring Back Erik Johnson
The Avalanche are bringing back fan-favorite Erik Johnson, acquiring him from the Philadelphia Flyers for Givani Smith on Friday.
Johnson spent 12 years as a staple of the Avs’ blueline from 2011 to 2023, which included a Stanley Cup championship in 2022. He spent the tail end of 2024 and all of this season with Philadelphia before the deadline deal.
Johnson, who will be 37 in two weeks, has a $1 million cap hit and has appeared in just 22 games for the Flyers this season.
“It’s huge. For the whole D core, for the whole team, it’s important,” Nathan MacKinnon said. “We’re gonna have to play a style of game, and he knows how to play it.”
It’s no secret that he’s not going to be as effective as he was even three years ago. Johnson has seen his ice time drop from more than 17 minutes per game as a regular for the Stanley Cup-winning team to just over 13 minutes per game and regularly healthy- scratched for a non-playoff Flyers team.
The Avs need more help on the right side, which Johnson will provide to an extent. But more importantly, for a team that’s seen so much turnover in recent weeks, having Johnson back in the fray is going to help tie the group together.
His presence as a leader in the room was one of his greatest traits.
“He’s not gonna get a ton of minutes, and he’s gonna be the best guy in the room,” MacKinnon said. “You never want to worry about guys’ attitudes, especially when they’re not playing much.”
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Probably gave up both Malinski and Gulyayev to get him, because that’s how this deadline has gone.
McFarland earlier this week: “I know, let’s get older, slower, and worse at the deadline! Brilliant!”
He was acquired as a depth D, nothing else. They traded de Haan and Kylington and this is what they needed – an inexpensive depth guy to sit in the press box and play when needed. His leadership and connection to the core players is a bonus
Have to disagree Jon. I think come postseason he’s slotting in next to Lindgren on that 3rd pair. Do you really think Bednar is going to play Malinski over EJ in the postseason? I’m not advocating for that. I just think that’s the way it breaks. And even if he does go with Sam. EJ is one injury away from being a regular in the lineup. Either him or Middleton lol. And I’d rather have a 60 year EJ with one good hip playing in a postseason game than Middleton. I think it’s a nice story. But they really should’ve… Read more »
I don’t disagree but it’s not like they missed on getting the 6th D you describe. Maybe I missed that transaction but I don’t remember seeing that player available. I thought maybe Andrew Peeke could be a possibility to replace Malinski but he wasn’t moved
I heard they gave up Mac and Makar for him. Still waiting on how the salary cap works out.
I should note, I love EJ, and always have. He will go down as one of the great all-time Avs, not to mention one of the most beloved – and rightfully so. But if getting him costs anything more than “future considerations” for this stage of his career, it’s going to be an over-pay. So unless he’s coming with Ristolainen, it’s hard to get excited about this.
Avs are sending Givani Smith to the Flyers. No big deal. We can relax and get back to hating the overpay for Charlie Coyle
Coyle was a horrible horrible overpayment. Idc if they win the cup. I mean Mittlestadt straight up would’ve done it but instead they add a 2nd and a high prospect. Should’ve included carlo in there
The Avs unloaded Mittelstadt and made the right decision. As much as I like the person, he’s way too timid to be a force in the playoffs. He got a lot of his goals and points in garbage time with Buffalo. A stiff wind could knock Casey over. Boston fans will sour on him quickly. They do not appreciate non-physical players. Grit-less is the right world. The first couple of times that Mitts gets rubbed out and knocked on his keister – – he’ll hear it from the Boston fans.
As much as it pains me to my core. I have to agree with one point. The Avs did Mittelstadt no favors by trading him to Boston.
The media there is going to eviscerate him, with the way he plays & for his inconsistency.
ok this one was funny. Made me laugh.
For once I won’t be the lone CMac basher around here! And I actually liked 2 of the 3 moves from the last 24 hrs. Not sure how I feel about the Coyle deal. I think it helps them in the immediate. But it was definitely an overpay. And if they can’t re – sign Nelson. Their center depth is back to pre – Mittelstadt trade level bad. Also I need to understand how the Panthers get a superior hockey player in Marchand for one lone 2nd? Yet the Avs to get Charlie Coyle had to give up on top… Read more »
Exactly my point.
Marchand got a 2nd.
Coyle for 2nd high touted prospects zellers and Mittlestadt.
Not even a prospect from Boston coming back.
Avs got fleeced on that deal.
Marchand ONLY got a 2nd because Boston wanted to do right by him and trade him to a team that he wanted to go to, the bidding war wasn’t there. A lot of trades this deadline can be seen as an “overpay”
I don’t doubt Boston wanted to do right by him. But there are plenty of contending teams that I’m sure he would’ve said yes to that would’ve offered more.
I understand the down votes. However, I feel like Avs fans have every right to be justifiably upset about how today unfolded. After getting fleeced by trades in a seller’s market the last 24 hours, this trade seems more like an attempt to soothe the fan base and locker room, as opposed to bringing in a guy who will help us win hockey games. I will hope for the best, as always, and it will be nice seeing EJ back in burgundy and blue. But let’s not pretend this placates the fan base.
Welcome to the deadline where it’s always a sellers market…
Hells yeah. Dude gave his heart and soul for this team and for that Cup. He always needed to retire an Av.
I like it, but we need some legs on D too. Hopefully they can snag another in the next few minutes.
I’d like this x100 if I could!
I heard Marchand went to FLA… T-ka-chuck, Bennet, and the Rat on the same team? Whoa boy…
I personally thought Marchand looked old, slow and busted in the 4 nations. That groin injury that T-ka-chuck has is not just going away in the next month. Bennet however looked great and if FL had been selling, he would have been near the top of my trade list.
Marchand isn’t what he was a few years ago. But in a diminished role in FL that’s a HUGE get. Obviously this is all contingent on Tkachuk being healthy for the postseason, as you alluded to. If he is. Nobody is beating FL in a 7 game series.
Love E.J. No ifs, ands or buts. Does he have enough left in the tank to go after one more Stanley Cup? We’ll find out. He should be fresh as he wasn’t playing very much in Philly. E.J belongs in an Avs uniform.
Since the Avs traded de Haan and Kylington they needed someone to sit in the press box and play if needed. That’s all he should be expected to do
Oh ye of little faith. E.J. will be a great presence at practice, around the team and when he plays. Remember – – we still have injury prone Manson. If E.J. can dial up 11-13 minutes of quality “D” time – – it will be well worth it. You know he’ll be motivated. And it’s not like you meed an acclimation period.
You know EJ will put his body on the line when the shit goes down. I worry about him getting injured as well as Manson.
Man. Great news all day today. EJ could fill our #6 Dman spot. And retire an Av
Looks like our D is done.
Toews makar
Lindgren manson
Girard malinski
Middleton johnson
Man avs are screwed if manson gets hurt.
Yeah, would have liked another big guy, but the best defense is a good, puck possessing offense and we are a lot closer to that now than we were the other day.
Girard is always 2nd line. Heโs better than most on this forum give him credit for!!
Makar-Toews
Manson-Girard
Lindgren-Johnson
Nah. You can count on Manson getting hurt.
And, in the playoffs, Sammy getting worked on the cycle (and in front of the net).
Smith in the other direction. I like this trade. Cost nothing and brings leadership and possibly a few minutes of solid defense when needed.
Was JJ not available? I’m sure if Columbus wasn’t in the hunt we would have swung a trade for him as well.
Great signing, bring him back for leadership and let him retire in an Avs jersey. I bet heโll be an eagles coach next year.
This is decent EJโs a great leader with good experience. Dumping Smith keeps the team clean and we didnโt overpay for once.
Givani Smith? Does anyone remember him?
He played a couple games and caused a lot of problems. Good riddance.
Ah yes, the throw in player of the Blackwood deal.