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Avalanche’s Erik Johnson, Pavel Francouz coming off lost seasons

Thirty-somethings Erik Johnson and Pavel Francouz are back in the Avalanche fold after the defenseman was limited to four games last season and the goalie didn’t play at all.

On Day 2 of on-ice training camp Friday they both said they feel healthy again.

“I’m old for our team but not in life,” said Johnson, 33.

Johnson, who had COVID-19 in the first month of 2021 before suffering a concussion and an arm injury on Jan. 30 from a massive check delivered by Minnesota forward Jordan Greenway, is practicing with rookie Bo Byram, 20, on what is expected to be an opening-night pairing.