Erik Johnson played just 15:06 minutes in his return from a groin injury on Sunday. The Avalanche decided to go with seven defensemen in their 4-2 victory over Detroit, which allowed them to ease Johnson back into the lineup. Johnson had two penalty minutes, four shots on goal, one blocked shot, and two hits. Look for him to get more playing time on Tuesday against Vancouver.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson will return from a groin injury on Sunday. Johnson hasn't justified his status as the No.1 pick of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. That being said, there's hope that he could be a decent fantasy defenseman. Johnson has nine points in 21 games, but his -12 rating limits his usefulness when it comes to rotisserie sports. The Avalanche will trot out seven defensemen tonight, including Stefan Elliot.

Erik Johnson is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Red Wings. He has been sidelined for almost two weeks with a groin muscle injury but he seems to have recovered sufficiently to return to the Avs' lineup against Detroit. Get ready to activate Johnson.

Erik Johnson (groin) will not return to the Avalanche's lineup on Friday. Johnson might play in Sunday's game against Detroit. Although we're sure the Avalanche would have liked to have Johnson back Friday, this will give them a bit more time to decide what they're going to do with their defensive corp. Rookie Stefan Elliott has been doing a superb job filling in for Johnson, which means someone else will probably find himself in the press box once Johnson is healthy.

Erik Johnson (groin) should be considered questionable for Friday's game against St. Louis. If Johnson is able to play, it would be his third game against the Blues since they traded him last season. Rookie blueliner Stefan Elliott has been great in Johnson's absence, so it's not clear who will end up sitting to make room for Johnson. He has nine points and a minus-12 rating in 21 games this season.

Erik Johnson (groin) participated in an optional morning skate on Wednesday, but he won't face the New Jersey Devils. He is eligible to come off injured reserve, but that won't happen until he is ready to return to the lineup. Johnson has been out of action with a groin injury since Nov. 20.

Erik Johnson (groin) has been placed on the injured reserve list. Johnson hasn't played since November 20th and obviously won't play Saturday. Beyond that, he should be considered day-to-day. He has nine assists and a minus-12 rating in 21 games this season.

Erik Johnson will not be in the Colorado lineup on Saturday as he is still suffering from a groin injury. Johnson did not practice once again on Friday and has not done so this week. He is a minus-12 with nine points in 21 games. Look elsewhere on the blueline for help while Johnson recovers.

Erik Johnson (groin) didn't participate in Friday's practice. Johnson probably won't be available for Saturday's contest against Edmonton. He has nine points and a minus-12 rating in 21 games this season.

Erik Johnson, who missed Wednesday's game with a groin injury, is questionable for Saturday. Johnson is not having a good season fantasy-wise with nine points in the Avs first 22 games and a minus-12 rating. He has missed practice since Tuesday so we cannot tell you at this point whether or not he will be able to play. If not, Matt Hunwick will draw into the Colorado lineup again.