Johnson (knee) has been on the ice for informal practices ahead of training camp, The Hockey Writers reports.

EDGE Analysis

A knee injury prevented Johnson from appearing in the final 11 games of Colorado's 2017-18 campaign, including the entire first-round playoff series against the Predators. The veteran is said to be "working on his legs and knees" in the informal sessions, and he'll presumably intensify his training regimen as the new season approaches. Johnson produced nine goals and 16 assists over 62 games for an Avalanche team that made tremendous strides last year, so it's safe to consider that his floor if the Minnesota native is able to stay healthy for close to a full season.

Johnson (knee) didn't recover in time to help the Avalanche in their first-round playoff series against the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Back on March 31, when the Avalanche disclosed that Johnson would miss six weeks of action with a fractured patella, there was hope that Johnson would be able to make a full recovery in time to help out in the postseason. However, the defenseman's rehab carried over to the offseason, and now his focus will be getting ready for training camp. The 30-year-old is under contract with Colorado through the 2022-23 season, and he's making $6 million annually with modified no-trade and no-move clauses over the life of the deal. It's clear that he's appreciated by the Avalanche, though Johnson's output of 25 points (three on the power play) through 62 games of the 2017-18 season certainly doesn't scream "elite."

Johnson is dealing with a fractured patella that will sideline him for six weeks.

EDGE Analysis

In layman's terms, Johnson has sustained a serious injury to his kneecap. The immediate concern for Johnson is that he'll have trouble straightening the knee, and we suspect Johnson may need surgery if the bones in his kneecap are displaced. With any luck, the defenseman will make a full recovery and return for the playoffs, but the Avalanche still have work to do in order to extend their season. He finishes with 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) over 62 regular-season contests.

Johnson was a late scratch from Friday's game against the Blackhawks, Marc Moser of Altitude Sports 950 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson's absence went unannounced until just before the game Friday, likely leaving fantasy owners frustrated. The team has yet to release the reason behind his absence, but David Warsofsky will draw into Friday's game without him available.

Johnson played just under 20 minutes in Sunday's victory over Detroit, delivering two hits and finishing with a plus-1 rating.

EDGE Analysis

The first-overall pick of the 2006 NHL Draft had been sidelined for the previous 13 games due to a shoulder injury he suffered Feb. 18. Don't expect Johnson to log the 25-plus minutes per game that he's averaged this season in the near future, as the team will want to ease him back into game shape.

Johnson (shoulder) will be activated from injured reserve and slot into Sunday's game against the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson has missed 13 games with this shoulder issue, and the Avalanche should be excited for the former first-overall pick to bolster its blue line. The 29-year-old blueliner has seven goals and 22 points through 56 games, so he isn't an overly exciting fantasy option However, he's averaged a whopping 25:43 per contest with consistent power-play minutes, and his physical play -- 103 hits and 117 blocked shots -- could add to his potential.

Johnson (shoulder) won't play Tuesday against the Wild, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is Johnson's 11th straight game he will miss with this injury. The first-overall pick from 2006 has yet to really start practicing regularly again, and he's still on injured reserve as well. Technically, the next time Johnson could return is Thursday, but it doesn't feel like the 29-year-old will be ready to go that quickly.

Johnson (shoulder) hit the ice for a quick twirl, but did not take part in the team drills Thursday, Mike Chambers of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Considering Johnson has yet to return to practice, fantasy owners can probably expect him to be sidelined for a while longer. The blueliner is already on injured reserve with no clear timeline to return to action. Tyson Barrie should continue to see the biggest uptick in ice time during Johnson's absence.

Johnson (upper body) is listed on injured reserve, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

Considering Johnson's indefinite timetable for return, this move to IR is somewhat expected, as it will allow the Avalanche some flexibility with their roster while their star defenseman is sidelined. Tyson Barrie figures to take on a larger role in the blue line corps, while Andrei Mironov figures to see more consistent ice time as Johnson remains watching from the press box.

Johnson (upper body) is out indefinitely with an upper-body injury, AJ Haefele of BSN Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Johnson doesn't have a time frame for his return yet, the indication is that this is more than a mere day-to-day scenario. The first-overall pick from 2006 is likely to miss at least a few games, and that spells bad news for the Avalanche. The 29-year-old has averaged 25:43 per game and tallied 22 points and 153 shots on net through 56 contests. Colorado has nobody who can replace his output, and fantasy owners are going to take a hit while Johnson is injured as well.