Stanley Cup-Winning Defenseman Erik Johnson Retires After 17 Seasons
After more than a decade patrolling NHL blue lines, veteran defenseman Erik Johnson has officially retired.
The Colorado Avalanche confirmed the 37-year-old’s decision on Wednesday, closing the book on a 17-season career that spanned 1,023 games and included a Stanley Cup championship in 2022.
Erik Johnson, you are one of a kind.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 1, 2025
Thank you for all that you've done in burgundy and blue, and congrats on your retirement. pic.twitter.com/eePT6ox09G
Johnson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, made his debut in 2007 and quickly earned top-four minutes. His time in St. Louis was cut short when the team dealt him to the Avalanche in 2011.
From there, Johnson became a fixture in Colorado for 13 seasons, serving as a steady, reliable defender during both lean years and the team’s eventual rise to Stanley Cup glory.
Career Journey and Legacy
Known more for his defensive acumen than offensive numbers, Johnson still managed 95 goals and 253 assists for 348 points in the regular season. He also chipped in 13 points across 57 playoff games, including five points during the Avalanche’s Cup run.
After leaving Colorado in 2023, Johnson played for the Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers before being dealt back to Denver at the 2025 deadline, where he finished his career.
After 1,023 NHL games, Erik Johnson has announced his retirement. 👏
— NHL (@NHL) October 1, 2025
Congrats on a great career! pic.twitter.com/HxSeg7uspi
Internationally, Johnson was a key member of the United States’ silver medal-winning squad at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
In his retirement message, Johnson thanked each of the organizations he represented while reserving special gratitude for Colorado:
“To the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers and most of all the Colorado Avalanche: thank you for the opportunities and memories, especially the 2022 Stanley Cup. To my teammates, coaches, and staff: your support, camaraderie, and dedication shaped my career. To the fans: your passion made every moment unforgettable. To my family and friends: your unconditional love and support carried me through. Hockey has been my life, and I’m grateful for every second. I’m excited for what’s next and will always cherish this journey.”
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
