PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
October 1, 2025  (3:42 PM)

Erik Johnson of the Colorado Avalanche.

Photo credit: The New York Times

Erik Johnson put together an impressive career, and now, the former No. 1 overall pick has officially hung up the skates after over 1,000 games played in the NHL.

Back in the 2006 NHL Draft, the St. Louis Blues would use the No. 1 overall pick on defenseman Erik Johnson, and he would go on to have a very lengthy career in the National Hockey League.

However, most of that run came with the Colorado Avalanche, a team which he spent 14 seasons with, with the highlight of his career coming in 2022 when he hoisted the Stanley Cup for the one and only time in his career.

Johnson officially hangs up the skates

Now however, the 37-year old has officially called it quits, with the Avalanche congratulating the veteran on social media as he officially announces his retirement from the NHL.

This retirement comes after 1,023 regular season games and 57 Stanley Cup Playoffs appearances for Johnson, who in that time put together 95 goals and 348 points while also being a very solid defenseman for whichever team he played for.

While he was drafted by St. Louis and spent most of his career in Colorado, Johnson also spent time in both Buffalo and Philadelphia, but now, the Minnesota native will look to move on to the next phase of his career.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience, there’s no doubting that he could play a role in a front office or as a coach in hockey somewhere moving forward, and given the relationships he’s built in hockey over the years, this likely won’t be the last we see of the former No. 1 overall pick.

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Former First Overall Pick and Stanley Cup Champion Erik Johnson Announces His Retirement

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