In a diminished role, Erik Johnson still has a big effect on how far the Avalanche can go.
Johnson, 32, is an old-school defenseman who used to play in all situations. In 2017-18, he led the NHL in shifts per-game (30.7) and was seventh in average ice time (25:26). He is now a depth player and primary penalty killer as the Avs continue to introduce elite young defensemen.
Johnson’s attitude is his biggest strength.
“I’ll do whatever. I just want to win,” he said.
Sam Girard and Cale Makar, both 22, and teenager Bo Byram are what Johnson used to be — franchise defensemen. Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic has stocked up on elite young blueliners but Johnson, an alternate captain, remains relevant because of his willingness to do whatever is asked.
“Helping these young kids is part of my job to make sure the future of the organization’s set up for a lot of success. So I take a lot of pride in that,” said Johnson, the first pick of the 2006 draft (by St. Louis). “To be the old guy on the blue line is definitely a different and strange experience for me. I certainly don’t feel that way. I still feel like a kid. It’s fun to play with these young kids back there who are set up for long, successful careers. It’s fun to have fun with them and help them any way I can and just contribute to the team any way I can.”
Sakic also brought in Devon Toews, 26, who is normally on the top pairing with Makar but currently unavailable with a foot injury. Johnson was on the second pairing with Byram on Saturday in Minnesota because of Toews’ injury.
Johnson said adding Toews from the New York Islanders has made the entire blue line better.
“I knew he was good. I didn’t know he was this good. He’s quite the player,” Johnson said of Toews. “Really happy with how he’s played so far this year. He’s been a real compliment to Cale. I think it elevated (Makar’s) game as well.”
Johnson, who missed all of training camp after a positive COVID-19 test, is normally on the third pairing with Ryan Graves, 25. Graves partnered with another up-and-coming standout, Conor Timmins, 22, against the Wild.
Johnson is Colorado’s highest-paid defenseman, making $6 million annually through the 2022-23 season, and he will likely be asked to waive his modified no-trade clause in the offseason so he can be exposed to the expansion draft, allowing Colorado to protect Girard, Makar and Toews (Byram and Timmins aren’t expansion-draft eligible).
Johnson, the Avs’ most veteran player, is in his 10th full season with the club and wants to retire with the Avalanche.
“The game’s changed so much since I was a rookie in 2007. You just have to adapt,” Johnson said. “When I came in, I was all power play, and now I’m primarily penalty kill. You just have to adapt your game over the years to evolve as the league evolves and continue to make yourself a relevant piece for the team. Whatever role I’ve been asked to play I’ve played it to the best that I’m able to.”
