Erik Johnson would like to have a game to prepare for this week, but he’s ready to adapt.
Johnson, who announced his retirement Wednesday after 17 seasons in the NHL, revealed his near-future plans Monday at a news conference to reflect on a career that included more than 1,000 NHL games and a Stanley Cup championship in 2022.
One of the most popular players in Colorado Avalanche history, “EJ” will spend time during the 2025-26 season on local television screens while also exploring other roles in hockey. He’s going to be an analyst for Altitude Sports, which includes commentary on University of Denver and Air Force games, plus some work in the studio for Avalanche contests.
Noting the great relationship he has with Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, Johnson is also going to do some scouting for that franchise. He has another venture in the works as well, but couldn’t reveal those details Monday.
“I’m going to kind of try and do a few different things this year and see what I like,” Johnson said at Family Sports Center. “That’s kind of where I’m at, not going to try and overwhelm myself. I’m going to try and do things that I haven’t been able to do this time of year in the past, and do that as well.”
Johnson joked that he is going to be a regular at weddings and birthday parties, family events that he often missed while playing. He’s still going to be involved in horse racing as well, but it will remain more of a hobby.
When he wasn’t holding back tears or thanking everyone who helped him along his journey, Johnson offered some life lessons that helped him carve out an interesting NHL career. As he noted, Johnson went from an offense-first defenseman in the early part of his career to a defense-first guy later on.
“Always remember, even though something may not be the best for you as an individual, it’s what’s best for the team that matters most,” Johnson said in a nod to how he accepted a lesser role as the Avalanche roster evolved into a Stanley Cup contender.
Johnson certainly evolved over the course of his career. He was the No. 1 pick in his draft class, which produced a level of expectations and pressure that few professional athletes face. Avs general manager Chris MacFarland pushed back on Johnson’s notion that he went from being a really good player on bad teams to an OK player on good teams, but the player’s point about adaptation and putting aside ego and personal glory remains.
Along the way, “The Condor” became a beloved teammate, a veteran mentor and someone who positively impacted countless people throughout his career.
“I don’t think I was probably the best teammate early on. I think over time, I got better,” Johnson said. “You snap your fingers and your career is over, and it’s so short. In the big picture of your life, I just figured that why not come to the rink every day like it’s the best day ever? And I hope that rubbed off on people over time.”
Johnson and his family plan to stay in Colorado for his second act. He may have been selected by the St. Louis Blues, but Johnson feels as much like an adopted son of Denver as anyone who put on an Avalanche jersey at the NHL draft.
“The one thing about EJ … he’s going to be successful no matter what he decides to do in the future,” Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog said.
Footnotes: Gavin Brindley, who celebrated his 21st birthday Sunday, has made the opening-night roster. Brindley said he will be in the lineup Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings. It will be his second NHL game.
Zakhar Bardakov began training camp as the No. 4 center and never relinquished the job. The 24-year-old rookie will make his NHL debut against the Kings.
Samuel Girard will also be in the lineup. He missed all but the last few days of training camp with a lower-body injury. He said it was an offseason ailment that popped up, but being ready for the final preseason game Saturday in Dallas was the target, and after playing in that contest, he is ready to go.
Mackenzie Blackwood joined the Avs for part of practice on Monday, but he’s not ready and won’t join the team in Los Angeles. Scott Wedgewood is expected to start in net with Trent Miner backing him up.
Ilya Solovyov, claimed off waivers Friday from Calgary, was on the ice Monday morning on his own. He cannot join the team officially until his immigration paperwork is cleared.
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