Erik Johnson isn’t ready to call it a career after 17 years in the NHL and the Colorado Avalanche legend has taken to social media to support his efforts to get on a roster.
Johnson is one of the most likable players in the NHL. The Avs even brought him back into the burgundy and blue at the trade deadline last season, but all signs are pointing to his most recent stint in Denver being a quick one and perhaps his final.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Johnson was considering three PTO offers, but none from the Avs. Still, he’s not with a team, and he’s looking for a new gig. So he posted a video of his highlights on Instagram, which were all videos of him skating while being silly behind a reporter.
The video is below:
Free agent Erik Johnson posted a “highlight reel” on his Instagram story for interested NHL teams 🤣
(via IG/6erikjohnson6) pic.twitter.com/iEt3zGfMKh
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 24, 2025
Johnson is trying to make like a ton of veterans this time of year with an NHL PTO (better known as professional tryout offer). That’s a non-guaranteed deal that is essentially a training camp offer. If the team likes the player, they can renegotiate for a small, guaranteed contract at the start of the season. If not, the two sides can part ways with no repercussions. It’s a low-stakes deal that is often used on elder skatesmen.
Johnson has been practicing with his fellow (could be former in a few days) Avalanche teammates all throughout the offseason at voluntary skates. The Condon might not be the same player he was a decade ago physically, but still brings a level of knowledge to the game that few others possess.
The Avs originally traded for the former first overall pick, Johnson in 2011, sending out Kevin Shattenkirk among other things. He stayed in Colorado until 2023 and came back last spring when the Avs traded back for him by sending out Givani Smith.
Johnson has played 731 regular-season games for the Avs, the eighth-most in franchise history. The 37-year-old was key to Colorado’s Cup win in 2022, going plus 10 with five points over the Avs 20-game run through to a title. It was some of the 57 games he has played for Colorado in the playoffs.
We’ll see if Johnson gets another shot, but he’ll always be loved in Denver.
