Erik Johnson
D FA
Sun 10/11/15 12:26 AM

Johnson scored his second goal of the season in a 6-3 win over Dallas on Saturday.
EDGE Analysis
The goal gives Johnson goals in consecutive games and three points in two games overall. He broke out last year with 12 goals in 47 games before a knee injury forced him to miss a big chunk of the season. Having signed a seven-year extension recently, Johnson is the team's anchor on defense and will spend plenty of time on ice with the Avs' best scorers. The former first overall pick is a valuable fantasy asset.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Fri 10/9/15 2:06 AM

Johnson scored a power-play goal and added an assist in Thursday's collapse against Minnesota.
EDGE Analysis
After signing a massive seven-year contract a few weeks ago, it's nice to see Johnson earn his paycheck. He sent a clapper from the point past Devan Dubnyk on the power play to give the Avalanche a 2-0 lead in the first period before things unraveled. With the arrival of Francois Beauchemin and Nikita Zadorov, Johnson's playing time (19:07) was significantly below his average from last season (24:25). The decrease in minutes could be beneficial though, keeping his legs fresh for the entire season.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Tue 9/22/15 7:45 PM

Johnson signed a seven-year contract extension with the Avalanche on Tuesday.
EDGE Analysis
Johnson was set to head to free agency at the end of the 2015-16 season, but he'll now remain with the Avalance for the long haul. He played in 47 games last season, finishing with 12 goals and 11 assists. He missed the last 34 games of the season after undergoing a knee scope, but prior to the injury he was still able to post a career-high in goals, as well as earning a selection to the NHL All-Star team. Reportedly back to 100 percent healthy, Johnson should be ready to go at the start of the season.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Mon 6/22/15 3:03 PM

Avalanche GM Joe Sakic said that Johnson (knee) is now 100 percent healthy, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports. Johnson sat out the Avs' final 34 regular-season following a knee scope, interrupting what had been a career-best campaign up to that point. The former No. 1 overall pick produced 12 goals and 23 points in 47 games, earning a selection to the NHL All-Star team. Johnson will be under contract with the Avs for 2015-16 before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Fri 4/24/15 12:38 AM

Johnson is approaching 100 percent after missing the final 34 games of the regular with a knee injury and will be ready for the start of next season Mike Chambers of The Denver Post reports. Johnson underwent a knee scope on January 26th and was expected to only miss 3-8 weeks, but an extended recovery and the Avs' inability to obtain a playoff spot forced Johnson to miss the remainder of the season. The defenseman had embraced the added responsibility that was given to him by the coaching staff and was on pace for a stellar season with 12 goals and 11 assists through 47 games and even earned a selection to the NHL All-Star Game before going down with the injury. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Johnson is right around the corner from a full recovery and will be ready for the start of next season with hopes of leading the Avs to a Stanley Cup Championship.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Mon 4/6/15 3:53 PM

Johnson (knee) won't play Tuesday against the Preds. Beyond Tuesday's contest, Mike Chambers of the Denver Post relays that coach Patrick Roy will be "very surprised" if Johnson plays again this season.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Tue 3/31/15 3:28 PM

Johnson (knee) has not been cleared to play and will not join the Avalanche for their three-game road trip through California this week. Optimism seemed to be building over the past weekend that a lineup return was imminent for Johnson, who had been able to skate with the Avalanche on Saturday morning. However, it sounds like the blueliner isn't progressing as quickly as it appeared, and it's now in question whether he'll even play again this season. After the Avalanche complete their road trip, the team will only have three games remaining on its regular-season schedule. With the playoffs likely a pipe dream at this point, it may make sense for the Avalanche to shut him down for precautionary purposes.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Mon 3/30/15 5:16 PM

Johnson (knee) won't play Monday against the Oilers, Terry Frei of the Denver Post reports. On the plus side, Johnson was on the ice with the Avs at Monday's morning skate, so he does appear to be progressing as Wednesday's game against the Sharks approaches. "Erik will practice fully (Tuesday), and then we'll make decisions after that," coach Patrick Roy noted Monday.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Mon 3/30/15 11:50 AM

Though Johnson (knee) hasn't been ruled out for Monday's game against the Oilers, Terry Frei of the Denver Post suggests that the blueliner is more likely to return to the lineup at some point during the Avs' upcoming three-game road trip, which starts Wednesday at San Jose. Johnson, who had arthroscopic knee surgery on Jan. 26, last suited up on Jan. 21. Prior to sustaining his knee injury, Johnson had recorded 23 points and 33 PIM in 47 games for the Avs.

Erik Johnson
D FA
Sat 3/28/15 1:58 PM

Johnson (knee) participated during the Avs' morning skate and could be back in the lineup Saturday against the Sabres, Terry Frei of the Denver Post reports. The Avalanche are still listing Johnson on injured reserve, but that could change over the afternoon if team doctors determine he's now sufficiently recovered from the knee injury. The blueliner has been skating with the team for a week, and even if his return doesn't come Saturday, it looks like the Avalanche will get him back within the next few days. The All-Star has been sidelined since late January.