Fans alarmed as Avalanche Cup winner posts message that screams desperation
Photo credit: Sergei Belski / Imagn Images
Former Colorado Avalanche defenseman and Stanley Cup champion Erik Johnson recently shared a post on social media that has sparked concern among fans, who are questioning whether the message reveals a deeper sense of frustration or desperation on his part.
As of late August, Johnson remains unsigned by any NHL team. So what does the future hold for the veteran defenseman?
Erik Johnson still remains unsigned as the NHL season approaches.
Jake Shapiro from Denver Sports writes that Johnson isn't ready to hang up his skates after 17 NHL season. The Avalanche veteran has turned to social media to rally support in his pursuit of a roster spot.
Johnson remains one of the league's most respected and well-liked player. The Avalanche even welcomed him back in the burgundy and blue at last season's trade deadline. However, indications suggest that his latest run in Denver could be brief, and possibly his last.
Earlier this month, reports indicated that Johnson was weighing three PTO (professional tryout) offers, none from the Avalanche. Still without a team, he's actively seeking a new opportunity.
To boost his chances, he shared a video on Instagram featuring his highlights, though the clips mostly showed him skating playfully and goofing around behind a reporter.
"Johnson is trying to make like a ton of veterans this time of year with an NHL PTO (better known as professional tryout offer). That's a non-guaranteed deal that is essentially a training camp offer. If the team likes the player, they can renegotiate for a small, guaranteed contract at the start of the season. If not, the two sides can part ways with no repercussions. It's a low-stakes deal that is often used on elder skatesmen." -Shapiro
Johnson has been skating with Avalanche teammates all offseason. While he may not be the same player physically, he still brings unparalleled knowledge of the game.
"The Avs originally traded for the former first overall pick, Johnson in 2011, sending out Kevin Shattenkirk among other things. He stayed in Colorado until 2023 and came back last spring when the Avs traded back for him by sending out Givani Smith." -Shapiro
Johnson has appeared in 731 regular-season games for the Avalanche, ranking eighth in franchise history. At 37, he played a crucial role in Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup run, finishing plus-10 with five points over 20 playoff games, part of the 57 total postseason contests he's played for the team.
Whether he gets another opportunity remains uncertain, but Johnson will always hold a special place in Denver fans' hearts.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 25 | 14 ANSWERS Fans alarmed as Avalanche Cup winner posts message that screams desperation Do you think Johnson will land a contract before the start of the NHL season? | ||
| yes | 9 | 64.3 % |
| no | 5 | 35.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
