Erik Johnson

Erik Robert Johnson (born March 21, 1988) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres and the Philadelphia Flyers. Nicknamed the "Condor", Johnson was selected with the first overall pick by the Blues in the 2006 NHL entry draft. Johnson won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. Additionally, he has represented the United States in numerous tournaments. Johnson was drafted from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program and played one season at the University of Minnesota before joining the NHL with St. Louis in 2007. In 2011, he was traded to Colorado, where he played for 13 seasons until signing with the Buffalo Sabres for the 2023–2024 NHL season. On March 7, 2025, he returned to the Colorado Avalanche organization in a trade between the Avalanche and the Philadelphia Flyers.