Johnson has decided to end his playing career, the Avalanche announced Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson had 95 goals, 348 points, 555 PIM, 1,695 hits and 1,717 blocks across 1,023 career regular-season games between St. Louis, Colorado, Buffalo and Philadelphia. Johnson spent the first half of his career logging big minutes in a top-four capacity, though he shifted to more of a supporting role for much of his 30s. The 37-year-old also logged 57 playoff games and was part of the Avalanche's 2021-22 Stanley Cup-winning squad.

Johnson scored an empty-net goal, added two PIM and logged two hits in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson has two points over his last six games as he continues to see steady ice time while the Avalanche deal with injuries and give some of their top players rest. Johnson finished the regular season at two goals, five points, 37 shots on net, 59 hits, 26 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over 36 appearances between the Avalanche and the Flyers. If Colorado's defense is fully healthy to begin the postseason, Johnson may find himself back in the press box, but he's likely to be the first man up should injuries keep anyone out.

Johnson notched an assist and two blocked shots in Thursday's 7-3 win over the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

This was Johnson's first point in nine appearances since returning to the Avalanche in a deadline-day deal with the Flyers. The 37-year-old has just four points to go with 26 shots on net, 55 hits, 20 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 31 outings this season. He'll likely play regularly until Josh Manson (upper body) is able to return.

Johnson (lower body) will rejoin the lineup against Calgary on Monday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson will be back in action following a three-game stint on the shelf due to his lower-body issue. With the veteran blueliner in the lineup, Keaton Middleton will be a healthy scratch. In six games with the Avalanche, Johnson has yet to register a point, but wasn't brought back to Colorado to be an offensive contributor anyway.

Johnson (lower body) won't be in the lineup versus the Blues on Saturday, per Ryan Boulding of NHL.com.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson will miss his third straight game. He hasn't earned a point in six appearances with Colorado this season while posting nine shots on goal, three blocked shots and eight hits. Due to Johnson's absence, Keaton Middleton will play against St. Louis on Saturday.

Johnson (lower body) won't play against the Kings on Thursday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson participated in the morning skate but remains day-to-day, and he will miss his second straight game. It's unclear if he will be ready to return to action versus St. Louis on Saturday. Due to Johnson's absence, Keaton Middleton will probably remain in the lineup against Los Angeles.

Johnson (lower body) won't play against Detroit on Tuesday, according to Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson was injured Saturday in Montreal and didn't participate in Monday's practice. While Johnson won't play Tuesday, the Avalanche will have Samuel Girard (lower body) back in the lineup. Johnson's next chance to return to game action will come Thursday against the Kings.

Head coach Jared Bednar said Monday that Johnson is considered day-to-day due to a minor lower-body injury, Meghan Angley of Guerilla Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson tweaked something during Saturday's win over Montreal, and he took a maintenance day Monday. While his injury doesn't sound particularly serious, it's not yet clear whether he'll be available for Tuesday's game against the Red Wings. The 37-year-old had appeared in Colorado's last five games, and he was held without a point while recording five hits and three blocked shots.

Johnson was acquired by Colorado from Philadelphia on Friday in exchange for Givani Smith, per RDS.ca.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson has a goal, three points, 11 PIM, 40 hits and 14 blocks in 22 outings with the Flyers this season. He probably will spend most of his time with Colorado as a healthy scratch unless the Avalanche need help due to injuries. Still, the 36-year-old should be a positive presence in the locker room, especially because he has a long history with the franchise. Johnson logged 717 regular-season games with the Avalanche before parting ways as an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

Johnson was scratched for the fifth game in a row in Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson is clearly the seventh defenseman on the Flyers' roster and has spent large portions of the season as a healthy scratch. Pending any trades affecting the blue line, Johnson is poised to spend most of the rest of the campaign as a scratch as well. He has just three points with 14 shots on net, 40 hits, 14 blocked shots and a minus-3 rating through 22 appearances.