The Buffalo Sabres signed UFA defenceman Erik Johnson to a one-year, $3.25 million contract. The deal occurred in the first hour of NHL free agency Saturday morning. Johnson, 35, enters the 16th season of his decorated career, but for the first time with a team in the Eastern Conference.
The Sabres have signed defenseman Erik Johnson to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million. pic.twitter.com/aFpfhHxc2G
— Sabres PR (@SabresPR) July 1, 2023
Buffalo Sabres Sign Erik Johnson to Contract
In 920 career NHL games, Johnson posted 337 points (88 goals, 249 assists) to-date. The rugged blue liner entered the NHL as the first overall selection of the 2006 NHL entry draft. He played the last 13 years of his career with the Colorado Avalanche, aiding them to the Stanley Cup in 2021-22. Prior to departing Denver, Johnson stood as the longest-tenured player in an Avalanche uniform.
What this Means for the Future
Some injuries limited Johnson to 63 games in 2022-23, and he posted eight assists in those games. Now 35 years old, he stands on the back-half of his career but remains an effective defenceman when healthy. Health, though, hasn’t been a guarantee for the rugged defender; in 2020-21, he played just four games. That said, in that Cup-winning season, he looked nearly as good as he did in the prime of his career, posting 25 points.
Johnson remains a legitimate NHL defenceman. Signing Johnson to a one-year contract stabilizes Buffalo’s depth, with a great locker room voice who can still log 16 to 20 minutes a night. This remains a team ready to take the leap from their rebuilding years into postseason contention. Johnson helps guide their young group, and should be a great fit for them.
Plus, the fact it is a one-year contract means Johnson retains flexibility beyond this year. He could opt for a trade at the deadline, if things don’t work out with the fit, or if Buffalo struggles to perform. This makes a lot of sense for both sides.
Main Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
