New details emerge on Avalanche Cup champion Erik Johnson's stunning retirement announcement

With his retirement, Johnson joins an elite group of NHL players whose departures have left fans stunned.

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...

Today, Spittin' Chiclets released a distinctive list of elite NHL players, and surprisingly, Johnson finds himself among some truly elite company.

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.

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.

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.

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.