Erik Johnson

Erik Robert Johnson (born March 21, 1988) is an American ice hockey defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

He joined a select group of five (now eight following Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Jack Hughes) Americans to have been chosen first overall in an NHL Entry Draft, along with Rick DiPietro (2000), Bryan Berard (1995), Mike Modano (1988), and Brian Lawton (1983).

Having committed to the University of Minnesota, Johnson also became the first Golden Gopher and Minnesotan to be taken first overall.

Despite the willingness to turn professional, Johnson was not signed to a professional contract with the Blues, becoming the first player in 44 years to play college hockey after being selected No.1 overall.

In the 2003–04 season he led all defenseman in scoring with 13 goals and 34 points to be selected to the Missota All-Conference Team.

As a 16-year old Johnson transferred to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to play for the National Team Development Program (NTDP).

In the 2004–05 season, he split time between the U.S. National under-17 and under-18 squads, compiling 26 points in 57 games, tops amongst defenseman.

Nicknamed the "Condor", Johnson previously played for the St. Louis Blues, who selected him with the first overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, as well as the Colorado Avalanche and the Buffalo Sabres.

Additionally, he has represented the United States in numerous tournaments.

Johnson won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.

Having been scouted as being tailored to suit the professional ranks with his hybrid two-way style and physicality, Johnson continued his rise in development the following season with a team-leading 49 points in 47 games with the under-18's. While also having a major impact at the junior international stage, Johnson was selected first overall in the 2006 NHL Entry draft by the St. Louis Blues.

He became the first American-born defenseman to be selected first overall without having played Canadian major junior or collegiate hockey.

In his freshman campaign with the Golden Gophers during the 2006–07 season, Johnson quickly established a top defensive role and accumulated 4 goals and 24 points in 41 contests to lead all WCHA rookie defenseman and earn a selection to the WCHA All-Rookie Team.

Johnson was drafted from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program and played one season at the University of Minnesota before joining the NHL with St. Louis in 2007.

Johnson concluded his collegiate career after his freshman year when he was signed by the St. Louis Blues to a three-year, entry-level contract on April 20, 2007.

Upon concluding his collegiate career, Johnson attended the Blues' Development Camp and 2007 Prospects Tournament.

His first career NHL goal came on October 6 in a 5–3 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

The goal was scored on a power play with 7:17 left in the third period and became the game-winning goal.

After playing three games with the Blues, Johnson suffered a slight bone fracture in his foot.

As a result, he was re-assigned to the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League (AHL) on a conditioning stint.

Johnson re-joined the Blues on November 7 but struggled to get back into the lineup.

However, once he became a mainstay in the Blues' lineup he began a productive rookie campaign.

Following his rookie season, Johnson injured his right knee during the 2007 offseason which sidelined him for the first three days of training camp.

It was later confirmed by the team's orthopedic surgeon that Johnson had torn his ACL and suffered a tear to his MCL.

In November, Johnson underwent surgery successful right knee ACL surgery.

As such, he was selected for the NHL's 2008 YoungStars Game.

As the season continued, his ice time fluctuated from a season high 22:0 to a season-low 11 minutes although he typically averaged 17 minutes per game.

He finished his rookie season averaging over 18 minutes of ice-time per game to go with 5 goals and 28 assists in 69 games.

After missing the 2008-09 season with a knee injury, Johnson returned for the 2009–10 season strong by setting new career-highs with 10 goals, 29 assists for 39 points.

On August 2, 2010, as a restricted free agent, Johnson re-signed with the Blues with a two-year, $5.2 million contract.

In the first year of his newest contract, Johnson was named an assistant captain alongside David Backes, Barret Jackman, and Alexander Steen.

Johnson tallied one goal and nine assists in 29 games before suffering a knee injury in December 2010.

Upon returning from his knee injury, Johnson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, along with Jay McClement and a conditional first-round pick, in exchange for Chris Stewart, Kevin Shattenkirk and a conditional second-round pick.

Later that day, Johnson made his Avalanche debut at the HP Pavilion at San Jose in a 4–0 loss to the San Jose Sharks.

In his second game, Johnson faced his former team and posted his first goal as a member of the Avalanche in a 4–3 win.

As a result of his goal against St. Louis, Johnson earned Avalanche "Play of the Week" award.

He finished the rest of the season with three goals and seven assists for 10 points through 22 games.

In 2011, he was traded to Colorado, where he played until signing with the Buffalo Sabres for the 2023-2024 NHL season.

Johnson played hockey for the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota, where he starred in his two seasons as a freshman and sophomore at the prep school.

By January, he tallied 16 points to tie for 10th amongst all NHL rookies and fourth on the team with a plus-10 rating.