On the opening day of NHL Free Agency, the Philadelphia Flyers have re-signed veteran defenseman Erik Johnson to a one-year, $1 million contract.
Flyers re-sign Erik Johnson
Johnson, 36, was acquired by the Flyers for a 2024 fourth-round pick on March 8, 2024, during the NHL Trade Deadline. In 17 games with the Flyers during the 2023-24 season, Johnson recorded three points (2G, 1A) and was a -9. He averaged 16:26 minutes of ice time.
It’s more than likely that Johnson will serve as a bottom-of-the-lineup player and as a depth defenseman for the Flyers during the 2024-25 season. Last year, Marc Staal played a limited role while serving as a veteran presence on the Flyers’ blue line. Staal appeared in 35 games and scored five points (1G, 4A) and was a +2 in 13:48 average ice time.
Following the final game of the season on April 16, 2024, Johnson was unsure of his future plans but spoke highly regarding his short stint with the Flyers and praised the locker room.
“Whether I’m here or not, I really will cheer for those guys,” Johnson said. “Really enjoyed the locker room; one of the best I’ve been in in my career.”
Now, Johnson will remain with the Orange & Black.
Johnson is just 13 games away from reaching the 1,000 games played milestone. He was drafted first overall by the St. Louis Blues during the 2006 NHL Draft and was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in February 2011. In 717 games with the Avalanche, Johnson scored 246 points (68G, 178A) and won the Stanley Cup during the 2021-22 season. On the opening day of free agency in 2023, Johnson signed a one-year deal worth $3.25 million with the Sabres.
Heading into 2024-25, Johnson will pay in a role to serve and provide leadership to an up-and-coming Flyers blue line.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
