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Erik Johnson

Erik Johnson is an American former professional ice hockey defenceman known for playing 17 seasons in the National Hockey League.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Erik Johnson is an American former professional ice hockey defenceman known for playing 17 seasons in the National Hockey League. He was selected first overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. Johnson also represented the United States in international competition.

Early life and amateur career

Johnson was born in Bloomington, Minnesota, and played junior hockey with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. He later played one season at the University of Minnesota before turning professional.

NHL career

Johnson began his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues in 2007 after being selected first overall in 2006. He was later traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he became a long-time regular and finished his career with brief stops in Buffalo and Philadelphia.

Stanley Cup and international play

Johnson won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022. He also represented the United States internationally, including at the 2010 Winter Olympics and other major tournaments.

Retirement

Johnson retired after the 2024–25 NHL season, ending a 17-season professional career. His retirement followed a short final stint with the Flyers after being traded from Buffalo in 2024.

Key facts

  • Johnson played 1,023 regular-season NHL games over 17 seasons.
  • He was drafted first overall in 2006 by the St. Louis Blues.
  • He spent most of his NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche.
  • He won the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.
  • Johnson played for the United States in international tournaments, including the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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Canadian context

Johnson played for Canadian NHL audiences through regular-season and playoff games across the league, including as a long-time player for the Colorado Avalanche, a club with frequent Canadian media coverage and many Canadian opponents.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Erik Johnson?
Erik Johnson is an American former NHL defenceman who played for the Blues, Avalanche, Sabres and Flyers.
When was Erik Johnson born?
He was born on March 21, 1988, in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Which team drafted Erik Johnson first overall?
The St. Louis Blues selected him first overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Did Erik Johnson win the Stanley Cup?
Yes. He won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.
Has Erik Johnson retired?
Yes. He retired after 17 NHL seasons.
Did Erik Johnson play for the United States?
Yes. He represented the United States in international competition, including the Winter Olympics.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Johnson
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, first overall draft selection, NHL teams, nickname, and summary of career.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/erik-johnson-announces-retirement
    Supports: Retirement, 17-season NHL career, 1,023 regular-season games, career totals, and Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.
  3. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/player/erik-johnson-8473446
    Supports: Player bio, physical profile, contract history, Buffalo and Philadelphia transactions.
  4. University of Minnesota Athletics — https://gophersports.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/erik-johnson/5361
    Supports: University of Minnesota season, NHL debut, and amateur background.
  5. CBS Sports — https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/1228267/erik-johnson/
    Supports: Career statistics and confirmation of retirement.