Fans in disbelief after Avalanche Cup champion makes a stunning career change
Photo credit: Michael Martin / NHLI
Fans stunned after longtime Colorado Avalanche defenseman and Stanley Cup champion Erik Johnson officially announced his retirement, closing the book on a remarkable NHL career that spanned more than a decade.
Johnson, a cornerstone of the Avalanche for the past 15 years and a key figure in their Stanley Cup run, has officially decided to hang up his skates.
Erik Johnson officially calls it quits.
Will Petersen from Denver Sports write that the Avalanche announced Johnson's retirement on Wednesday morning, just days before the start of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Here's what Johnson said in a press release from the team...
"After 18 incredible years in the NHL, I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude. To the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers and most of all the Colorado Avalanche: thank you for the opportunities and memories, especially the 2022 Stanley Cup." -Johnson
Johnson appeared in 731 career games with Avalanche, recording 69 goals and 179 assists for a total of 248 points. He joined the organization in February 2011 and experienced both the highs and lows of NHL life, ultimately capturing a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.
"Johnson bounced from the Flyers to the Sabres after that, before being traded back to the Avalanche late last season. Ultimately, he finished his career in burgundy and blue." -Petersen
A former No. 1 overall pick by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Draft, Johnson came close to a 20-year professional career. He spent parts of 14 seasons with the Avalanche, with only Adam Foote (17) playing more seasons among Avalanche/Nordiques defensemen, and only Foote and Joe Sakic (20) surpassing him among all Colorado/Quebec skaters.
"To my teammates, coaches, and staff: your support, camaraderie, and dedication shaped my career. To the fans: your passion made every moment unforgettable. To my family and friends: your unconditional love and support carried me through. Hockey has been my life, and I'm grateful for every second. I'm excited for what's next and will always cherish this journey." -Johnson
There had been speculation over the summer that Johnson might continue playing, but he clearly decided that retiring was the best choice for him and his family.
"We'll see what's next for Johnson, but with his bubbly personality and love for hockey, it wouldn't be a shock to see him join the media in some capacity." -Petersen
Johnson enjoyed an incredible career on the ice, and his next chapter promises to be just as special. Avalanche fans everywhere wish him all the best in retirement.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 1 | 34 ANSWERS Fans in disbelief after Avalanche Cup champion makes a stunning career change Do you think Erik Johnson is a future Hall-of-Famer? | ||
| yes | 14 | 41.2 % |
| no | 20 | 58.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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