The Philadelphia Flyers recently signed veteran defenseman Erik Johnson to a one-year contract worth $1 million.
Johnson brings many of the leadership qualities that the Flyers need in the locker room, and he is excited to guide the young players in today’s game. One of those players happens to be prized prospect Matvei Michkov.
Who is Erik Johnson?
Johnson was a former first-overall draft pick for the St. Louis Blues in 2006. The defenseman’s first season was in 2007-2008, where he spent three seasons with the Blues.
After a surprising trade that took place, Johnson ended up in Colorado where he would spend the next 13 seasons. He went on to win the Stanley Cup during his time with the Avalanche, which makes him the only current Philadelphia Flyer with a Stanley Cup win. He spent most of the 2023-2024 season with the Buffalo Sabres before he was dealt to Philadelphia around the trade deadline, where Philadelphia gave up a fourth-round draft pick.
Johnson touched on retirement and how he isn’t ready to hang his skates up. The 36-year-old defenseman said, “I’m going to play as long as my body feels good and as long as I have that passion. Even in the gym, I still have that drive, getting ready for another season.”
He touched on his love for meaningful games, which Philadelphia did partake in at the end of this season with a race to get into the playoffs. Though the Flyers fell short, meaningful hockey emerged in south Philadelphia again.
Since Johnson knows all about the pressure of being a first-overall draft pick and being a high-profile name, he talked about helping Matvei Michkov, the Flyers’ seventh overall draft pick, make his debut this season.
“I’ve been doing my best to communicate with him via Instagram, and with the translation tool, it’s been pretty easy. I am just trying to get him comfortable with his questions and answering them for him. Even as an American guy breaking into the league as a 19-year-old, like I did back in 2007, I was super nervous being around the old guys. Just being in a new city, country, language, food, everything, rules, and ice sheet is super challenging. I’ll help him in any way I can. I’m here for him any way he needs.”
While Johnson is mainly known for his penalty kill skills, he adds more depth to Philadelphia’s defense, which they needed.
Johnson spoke today about the upcoming season. He wants to set a good tone and help Philadelphia’s young defensive core. Johnston stated, “I’m here to help these guys on and off the ice. I’m here for them, and I’m here for the Flyers, and whatever they ask of me, I’m going to do.”
AP Photo/George Walker IV
