The loss of Colorado Avalanche defender Erik Johnson will be felt if not on the ice, most certainly off the ice.
Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported earlier this week of the departure of Erik Johnson, who will not re-sign for the Avs and instead either test out the free agent market or hang up his skates. The Condor leaves some big shoes to fill on the back end when it comes to size and leadership.
Hearing Colorado likely won’t re-sign Erik Johnson.
The veteran defenseman will hit the open market when free agency begins July 1— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) June 22, 2023Already without captain Gabriel Landeskog for the entire 2023-24 season, the Avs will need to look for veteran leadership elsewhere in the locker room.