Erik Johnson

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. 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. 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.{{cite web| url = http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/070906aaa.html | title = Blues top pick Erik Johnson to attend Minnesota this Fall | publisher=Minnesota Golden Gophers | date = July 24, 2006 | access-date = May 17, 2010}} 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. 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).{{cite web| url = http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/erik-johnson-the-invisible-no-1-1.614118 | title = Erik Johnson: The Invisible No.1 | work=CBS Sports | date = June 24, 2006 | access-date = July 24, 2010}}

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.{{cite web| url = http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/draft/2006-06-24-draft-main_x.htm | title = Blues take defenseman Erik Johnson with No.1 draft pick | work=USAToday | date = June 24, 2006 | access-date = May 17, 2010}} 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 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.{{Cite web|url=http://blues.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=301967&page=NewsPage&service=page |title=Blues Sign First Overall Draft Pick Erik Johnson |access-date=February 12, 2008 |publisher=St. Louis Blues |date=April 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520025054/http://blues.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=301967&page=NewsPage&service=page |archive-date=May 20, 2011}}

File:Erik Johnson in 2009.jpg

Upon concluding his collegiate career, Johnson attended the Blues' Development Camp{{cite web |title=Blues to Hold Development Camp July 9–13 |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-to-hold-development-camp-july-9-13/c-432433 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=June 26, 2007}} and 2007 Prospects Tournament.{{cite web |title=Blues to Participate in 2007 Prospects Tournament |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-to-participate-in-2007-prospects-tournament/c-432474 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=September 6, 2007}} 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.{{cite web |title=Blues comeback win clinched by Johnson's first NHL goal |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/271006008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118220014/https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap/_/gameId/271006008 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=October 7, 2007}} After playing three games with the Blues, Johnson suffered a slight bone fracture in his foot.{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Johnson Gets Passing Grade |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/johnson-gets-passing-grade/c-432652 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=April 21, 2008}} As a result, he was re-assigned to the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League (AHL) on a conditioning stint.{{cite web |title=Erik Johnson Sent to Peoria on Conditioning Stint |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/erik-johnson-sent-to-peoria-on-conditioning-stint/c-432526 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=November 5, 2007}} Johnson re-joined the Blues on November 7{{cite web |title=Blues Recall Erik Johnson from Peoria |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-recall-erik-johnson-from-peoria/c-432529 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=November 7, 2007}} but struggled to get back into the lineup. However, once he became a mainstay in the Blues' lineup he began a productive rookie campaign. By January, he tallied 16 points to tie for 10th amongst all NHL rookies and fourth on the team with a plus-10 rating. As such, he was selected for the NHL's 2008 YoungStars Game.{{cite web |title=Johnson, Perron Named to NHL YoungStars Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/johnson-perron-named-to-nhl-youngstars-game/c-432577 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=January 15, 2008}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Johnson Proves He's Got the Goods |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/johnson-proves-hes-got-the-goods/c-432605 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=February 25, 2008}} 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.{{cite web |title=Erik Johnson |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/9207/erik-johnson |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=November 18, 2021}}

Following his rookie season, Johnson injured his right knee during the 2007 offseason which sidelined him for the first three days of training camp.{{cite web |title=Johnson to Miss 3 Days of Training Camp |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/johnson-to-miss-3-days-of-training-camp/c-432721 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=September 18, 2008}} It was later confirmed by the team's orthopedic surgeon that Johnson had torn his ACL and MCL.{{cite web |title=Erik Johnson Out Indefinitely |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/erik-johnson-out-indefinitely/c-432728 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=September 23, 2008}} In November, Johnson underwent surgery successful right knee ACL surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2008-09 season.{{cite web |title=Johnson Undergoes Successful Surgery |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/johnson-undergoes-successful-surgery/c-432779 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=November 19, 2008}} 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.{{cite web |title=Johnson Signs Two-Year Deal with Blues |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/johnson-signs-two-year-deal-with-blues/c-535328 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=August 2, 2010}}

In the first year of his newest contract, Johnson was named an assistant captain alongside David Backes, Barret Jackman, and Alexander Steen.{{cite web |last1=Pinkert |first1=Chris |title=Blues Name Captains and Assistants |url=https://www.nhl.com/blues/news/blues-name-captains-and-assistants/c-536909 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=September 10, 2010}} Johnson tallied one goal and nine assists in 29 games before suffering a knee injury in December 2010.{{cite web |title=Erik Johnson out with knee sprain |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=5928099 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=December 16, 2010}}

File:ERI 5085 (5487357409).jpg in February 2011]]

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 on February 19, 2011.{{cite web |title=Avalanche acquire defenceman Erik Johnson in four-player trade with Blues |url=https://www.si.com/hockey/news/avalanche-acquire-defenceman-erik-johnson-in-four-player-trade-with-blues |publisher=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=February 19, 2011}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Lopez |first1=Aaron |title=Johnson, McClement Debut For Colorado |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/johnson-mcclement-debut-for-colorado/c-553526 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=February 20, 2011}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Lopez |first1=Aaron |title=Johnson Scores In Return To St. Louis |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/johnson-scores-in-return-to-st-louis/c-553813 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=February 22, 2011}} As a result of his goal against St. Louis, Johnson earned Avalanche "Play of the Week" award.{{cite web |title=Johnson Earns Play Of The Week |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/johnson-earns-play-of-the-week/c-554541 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=February 28, 2011}} He finished the rest of the season with three goals and seven assists for 10 points through 22 games.

Johnson began the 2011–12 season healthy but was shortly placed on injured reserve in November due to a groin injury.{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Stefan Heaven |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/stefan-heaven/c-603379 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=November 26, 2011}} Upon returning to the lineup in January, Johnson extended his assist/point streak to three games and led all Avalanche defensemen with 18 assists.{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=No. 88 Returns With A Vengeance |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/no-88-returns-with-a-vengeance/c-612534 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=January 19, 2012}} As he remained healthy for the remainder of the season, Johnson finished the season by leading all Colorado defensemen in scoring with 26 points while averaging 20:50 of ice time per game. After signing Johnson to a four-year, $15 million extension, General Manager/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman said: "Since Erik’s arrival in Colorado, he has provided stability, size, and an offensive presence to our blueline...At only 24 years of age, we believe that Erik will continue to grow his game and we are thrilled to have him under contract."{{cite web |title=Avalanche Signs Johnson |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-signs-johnson/c-637138 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=July 3, 2012}}

On January 23, 2013, Johnson played in his 300th career NHL game.{{cite web |last1=Knabenbauer |first1=Ron |title=Banking It In |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/banking-it-in/c-651941 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=January 23, 2013}} A few weeks later, it was announced that Johnson would remain out indefinitely after he suffered a head injury in a game against the Phoenix Coyotes.{{cite web |title=Avalanche's Johnson out indefinitely with injury |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/avalanche-johnson-out-indefinitely/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=February 13, 2013}} Upon returning to the lineup, Johnson recorded a career-high eight hits against the Dallas Stars, becoming the second Avalanche to reach this milestone since the league began tracking the stat in 2005.{{cite web |title=Memorable Moments And Personal Milestones Of The 2012-13 Season |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/memorable-moments-and-personal-milestones-of-the-2012-13-season/c-679930 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=August 9, 2013}}

Prior to the conclusion of the 2013–14 offseason, Johnson was told by head coach Patrick Roy to come back with less bulk and less weight. As such, he focused on mobility and agility and dropped 10 pounds. Upon returning for the 2014–15 season, analyst Ray Ferraro praised Johnson for becoming "aggressive without being careless."{{cite web |last1=Burnside |first1=Scott |title=Erik Johnson meeting Avs' challenge |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/12155549/nhl-colorado-avalanc-erik-johnson-leading-team-turn-around |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=January 12, 2015}} He continued to produce offensively and led all NHL defensemen with a career-high 12 goals by January. He also ranked first on the Avalanche in goals, average ice time, blocked shots, and power-play goals. As such, he became the first Avalanche defenseman to be selected for the NHL All-Star Game since Rob Blake in 2003-04.{{cite web |title=Johnson Selected To 2015 NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/johnson-selected-to-2015-nhl-all-star-game/c-748078 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=January 10, 2015}} However, Johnson did not compete in the All-Star Game nor the final 34 games of the season due to a knee injury.{{cite web |last1=Boulding |first1=Ryan |title=Johnson Out 3-8 Weeks With Knee Injury |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/johnson-out-3-8-weeks-with-knee-injury/c-750390 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=January 26, 2015}} Despite this, Johnson signed a seven-year, $42 million extension with the Avalanche.{{cite web |last1=Fox |first1=Luke |title=Avalanche's Johnson scores $42M deal, says MacKinnon is next |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/colorado-avalanche-lock-up-no-1-defenceman-erik-johnson/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=September 22, 2015}}

File:Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin cycles through the offensive zone during a power play vs Colorado - Brian Murphy - All-Pro Reels-20 (51636127213).jpg defend against Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov in October 2021]]

Upon recovering from his knee injury, Johnson remained relatively healthy for the 2015–16 season and played in 73 games to reach the 500-game mark. He reached numerous milestones throughout the season including scoring his 50th career goal against the Dallas Stars on October 10, 2015.{{cite web |last1=Mohr |first1=Alex |title=Erik Johnson: 2015-16 Season In Review |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/erik-johnson-2015-16-season-in-review/c-892490 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=September 9, 2016}} Nearly a month later, Johnson also reached 200 career points with an assist on François Beauchemin's goal against the Boston Bruins.{{cite web |title=Duchene lifts Avalanche over Bruins |url=https://www.tsn.ca/duchene-lifts-avalanche-over-bruins-1.392925 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=November 12, 2015}} He finished the regular season with 11 goals and 16 assists for third amongst Avalanche blueliners in scoring with 27 points. This marked the third straight season in which he ended the year as one of the top three scoring defenders on the team.

During the 2017–18 season Johnson played in his 600th NHL game on December 3, 2017, in a 7–2 loss to the Dallas Stars.{{cite web|last1=Parmele|first1=Callie|title=Avs Can't Deliver Against Stars|url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-cant-deliver-against-stars/c-293653668|website=NHL.com|access-date=March 13, 2018|date=December 4, 2017}} At the time, Johnson led the team, and was the fifth highest in the league, in average ice time at 26:24 minutes. Johnson was suspended for two games on December 17, 2017, for boarding Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov.{{cite web|title=Erik Johnson suspended two games for boarding Namestnikov|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/erik-johnson-hearing-boarding-vladislav-namestnikov/|website=Sportsnet|access-date=March 13, 2018|date=December 17, 2017}}

On February 29, 2020, Johnson became the first defenseman from the 2006 draft to reach 300 points, and the 37th United States-born defenseman in NHL history to hit the 300-point mark.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

File:Colorado Avalanche at Seattle Kraken - 2023-04-24 - Round 1 Game 4 - Jaden Schwartz, Morgan Geekie, Lars Eller, Erik Johnson and Alexandar Georgiev (52851600552).jpg and Morgan Geekie with teammates Lars Eller and Alexandar Georgiev in April 2023 during the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs]]

Four games into the 2020–21 season, Johnson sustained a concussion after a hit from Minnesota Wild forward Jordan Greenway caused his head to make contact with the ice. He missed the remainder of the regular season, and while he returned to practice during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, Johnson was unable to play before the Avalanche were eliminated in the second round by the Vegas Golden Knights.{{cite web|title=Bowen Byram and Erik Johnson are a perfect pair — for the Avalanche and each other|url=https://theathletic.com/3341235/2022/05/31/bowen-byram-erik-johnson-avalanche/|last=Baugh|first=Peter|website=The Athletic|access-date=June 15, 2022|date=May 31, 2022}}

With the addition of the Seattle Kraken to the NHL in advance of the 2021–22 season, the 2021 NHL expansion draft was scheduled to be held. Each team had the opportunity to protect only a certain number of players, and Johnson was among the Colorado players contractually guaranteed protection in such a scenario. However, he announced that he would waive his no-movement clause, allowing the Avalanche to protect more of their younger defencemen from being selected.{{cite web|title=Erik Johnson waives no-movement clause, giving Avalanche protection flexibility for Kraken draft|url=https://theathletic.com/2704845/2021/07/13/erik-johnson-waives-no-movement-clause-giving-avalanche-protection-flexibility-for-kraken-draft/|last=Baugh|first=Peter|website=The Athletic|access-date=June 15, 2022|date=July 13, 2021}} The Kraken did not take Johnson, opting instead for Joonas Donskoi.{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/seattle-selects-donskoi-in-expansion-draft/c-325719070 | title = Seattle selects Donskoi in expansion draft | publisher = Colorado Avalanche | date = July 21, 2021 | accessdate = July 21, 2021}} Due to a bout of COVID-19, Johnson missed the beginning of the season. On October 31, 2021, Johnson scored the game-winning goal of a 4–1 win against the Minnesota Wild to mark his 12th with the team. Upon reaching this milestone, he moved into second place in franchise history in game-winning goals scored by a defenseman.{{cite web |last1=Parmele |first1=Callie |title=Erik Johnson Scores Exciting First Goal of the Season versus Wild |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/ej-scores-exciting-goal-in-victory-vs-min/c-327434346 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=November 18, 2021 |date=October 31, 2021}} After three consecutive seasons of being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, in the 2022 playoffs the Avalanche reached the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2002. Facing the Edmonton Oilers, the Avalanche won the series in four games, advancing to the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals against the two time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.{{cite web|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nhl/avalanche-sweep-oilers-advance-to-stanley-cup-final/2022/06/06/1831152a-e611-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |title=Avalanche sweep Oilers, advance to Stanley Cup Final |newspaper= Washington Post |date=June 6, 2022 |accessdate= June 7, 2022}} The Avalanche ultimately defeated the Lightning in six games to win the Stanley Cup championship on June 26, 2022. Johnson was first in line in the cup handoff process, honouring his long tenure with the Avalanche organization.{{Cite web |title=Avalanche Stanley Cup handoff goes from Landeskog to Erik Johnson |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/avalanche-stanley-cup-handoff-landeskog-johnson/c-334746060 |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=NHL.com}}

At the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, Johnson left the Avalanche as a free agent following 13 seasons with the club and was signed to a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2023.{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/sabres-sign-veteran-defenseman-erik-johnson-to-1-year-deal/c-345157284 | title = Sabres sign veteran defenseman Erik Johnson to 1-year deal | publisher = Buffalo Sabres | date = July 1, 2023 | accessdate = July 1, 2023}} By his own admission, Johnson had a disappointing season with the underperforming Sabres, which he partially attributed to difficulty in adjusting to a new market after spending 13 seasons with the Avalanche, and his age as a veteran defenceman.{{cite web |title=Veterans Erik Johnson, Marc Staal thrust into key roles on Flyers' depleted blue line |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5330326/2024/03/10/flyers-erik-johnson-marc-staal/ |last=Kurz |first=Kevin |work=The Athletic |publisher=The New York Times |access-date=August 17, 2024 |date=March 10, 2024}}

On March 8, 2024, with the struggling Sabres out of playoff contention, Johnson was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick.{{cite web |title=Flyers acquire Erik Johnson from Buffalo in exchange for a fourth round 2024 NHL Draft pick |url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/flyers-acquire-erik-johnson-from-buffalo-in-exchange-for-a-fourth-round-2024-nhl-draft-pick |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 9, 2024 |date=March 8, 2024}}{{Cite web |last=DeRosa |first=Michael |title=Sabres Trade Erik Johnson to Flyers |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-trade-erik-johnson-to-flyers |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=The Hockey News|date=March 8, 2024}} The Flyers, who were in the midst of a surprising season where they had exceeded general public expectations, were in the midst of a push for the playoffs, while also dealing with several injuries to their defence at the time of the trade. Ultimately, the Flyers would miss the postseason by five points.

On July 1, after testing the market on the opening day of free agency, Johnson opted to return to the Flyers on a one-year, $1 million contract.{{cite web |title=Erik Johnson Says Returning To Flyers Was A 'No-Brainer' |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/erik-johnson-says-returning-to-flyers-was-a-no-brainer |last=Nolan |first=Siobhan |work=The Hockey News |publisher=Roustan Media |access-date=August 17, 2024 |date=July 11, 2024}} Johnson subsequently played his 1,000th NHL game on November 16, becoming just the 25th United States-born defenseman to achieve the milestone, and also just the 403rd player in NHL history and 16th Flyer to reach the mark.{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Bill |url=https://www.nhl.com/flyers/news/johnson-becomes-15th-flyer-to-achieve-silver-stick |title=Johnson becomes 15th Flyer to achieve Silver Stick |website=NHL.com |date=November 16, 2024 |access-date=November 18, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Kimelman |first1=Adam |title=Johnson 'grateful and lucky' for journey to 1,000 NHL games |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/erik-johnson-grateful-and-lucky-on-verge-of-1000-games |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 9, 2025 |date=November 15, 2024}}

On March 7, 2025, at the NHL trade deadline, Johnson was traded back to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Givani Smith.{{cite web |title=Avalanche Acquire Erik Johnson |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/avalanche-acquire-erik-johnson |website=NHL.com |access-date=March 9, 2025 |date=March 7, 2025}}

{{MedalTableTop|name=no}}

{{MedalCountry | {{ih|USA}} }}

{{MedalSport | Men's ice hockey}}

{{MedalCompetition|Olympic Games}}

{{MedalSilver| 2010 Vancouver |}}

{{Medal|Competition|World Championships}}

{{Medal|Bronze|2013 Stockholm/Helsinki|}}

{{MedalCompetition|World Junior Championships}}

{{MedalBronze|2007 Leksand|}}

{{MedalCompetition|World U18 Championships}}

{{MedalGold|2005 České Budějovice|}}

{{MedalGold|2006 Halmstad|}}

{{MedalBottom}}

As a product of the US NTDP, Johnson first made his international debut for the United States at the 2005 World U17 Hockey Challenge. In the same year, he captured a gold medal as a 17-year-old at the 2005 World Under-18 Championships. Johnson scored ten points in six games the 2006 World Under-18 championships to help the U.S. retain the gold medal, and was selected as the Bob Johnson Award winner as the Best American player in international competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.usahockey.com/servlets/FileServlet/relatedDocuments/087476175EA14303E0440003BA5FE009/WJC%20Media%20Guide%202006.pdf |title=United States 2006 WJC Media Guide |publisher=USA Hockey |date=February 1, 2006 |access-date=February 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625181842/http://www.usahockey.com/servlets/FileServlet/relatedDocuments/087476175EA14303E0440003BA5FE009/WJC%20Media%20Guide%202006.pdf |archive-date=June 25, 2008}}

Johnson was a member of the U.S. junior team that won a bronze medal in the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He was named to the tournament's All-Star Team and was named the tournament's Best Defenseman.{{cite web|title=Canada eanrs 2007 World U20 Title|url=http://www.iihf.com/de/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=58&cHash=d2fd95070bc97b593a516c083b189040|website=iihf.com|access-date=April 17, 2018|date=July 1, 2007}} Johnson finished the tournament with four goals and six assists for ten points, becoming the first defenseman to lead the tournament in scoring.

Representing the senior U.S. team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Johnson received a silver medal after losing in overtime to Canada in the final.{{cite news|last1=Rutherford|first1=Jeremy|title=David Backes and Erik Johnson show off their Olympic silver medals|url=http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/david-backes-and-erik-johnson-show-off-their-olympic-silver/article_d4810724-91ae-5514-9ad8-644e2435bcad.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|publisher=St. Louis Today|date=March 9, 2010}}

Johnson was chosen to participate in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey for United States team.{{cite news|last1=Nguyen|first1=Joe|title=Matt Duchene, Erik Johnson, Carl Soderberg added to World Cup rosters|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/05/27/colorado-avalanche-on-world-cup-of-hockey-rosters/|access-date=April 17, 2018|publisher=The Denver Post|date=May 27, 2016}}

Johnson's uncle is Sean Duffy, the United States Secretary of Transportation, a Republican politician, and a former U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th Congressional district.{{Cite web|last=Dater|first=Adrian|title=Around the Rink: No Doubt the NHL Is in a Golden Age of Young Talent|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2673836-around-the-rink-no-doubt-the-nhl-is-in-a-golden-age-of-young-talent|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=Bleacher Report}}

In addition to his accomplished career as an NHL defenseman, Johnson is a proprietor and commercial racehorse breeder for ERJ Racing, LLC. He refers to his racing business as "my outlet away from hockey and my passion."{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/10/30/erik-johnson-avalanche-horse-racing|title=Meet Erik Johnson, race horse owner and breeder|last=Prewitt|first=Alex|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=November 28, 2019}}

One of his racehorses, Landeskog, is named after his teammate Gabriel Landeskog.{{Cite web|url=https://milehighsticking.com/2019/06/09/colorado-avalanche-erik-johnsons-horse-grade-1-race-belmont/|title=Colorado Avalanche: Erik Johnson's Horse in Grade 1 Race at Belmont|date=June 9, 2019|website=Mile High Sticking|access-date=November 28, 2019}}

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{{succession box | before = Sidney Crosby | title = NHL first overall draft pick | years = 2006 | after = Patrick Kane}}

{{succession box | before = T. J. Oshie | title = St. Louis Blues first round draft pick | years = 2006 | after = Patrik Berglund}}

{{succession box | before = Marc Staal | title = World Junior Best Defenceman | years = 2007 | after = Drew Doughty}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Erik}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:American men's ice hockey defensemen

Category:Buffalo Sabres players

Category:Colorado Avalanche players

Category:First overall NHL draft picks

Category:Ice hockey people from Bloomington, Minnesota

Category:Ice hockey players at the 2010 Winter Olympics

Category:Ice hockey players from Minnesota

Category:Medalists at the 2010 Winter Olympics

Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey players

Category:National Hockey League All-Stars

Category:NHL first-round draft picks

Category:Olympic silver medalists for the United States in ice hockey

Category:Peoria Rivermen (AHL) players

Category:Philadelphia Flyers players

Category:St. Louis Blues draft picks

Category:St. Louis Blues players

Category:Stanley Cup champions

Category:USA Hockey National Team Development Program players