The Buffalo Sabres have decided to make a trade giving up seasoned NHL veteran defenceman Erik Johnson. The almost 36-year-old name popped up in rumours earlier in the week. Now he has joined the party that is the 2024 NHL trade deadline. Johnson has been sent to the Philadelphia Flyers. Details of a return have yet to emerge.
Erik Johnson is reportedly heading to the @NHLFlyers!#LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/zFOUjsVjjH
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 8, 2024
The Buffalo Sabres Trade Defenceman Erik Johnson
When you acquire Erik Johnson via trade, you are getting pedigree from the 2006 first-overall pick. The big D-man was once a 24-minute-a-night guy so isn’t at that level nowadays. He played 13 seasons for the Colorado Avalanche and was a member of the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning team. His career high in points came all the way back in 2013-14. That year he had nine goals and 39 points in 80 games. Moreover, this year he has just three goals through 50 games played. Also, he plays less than 14 minutes a night. But he still lays the body, at 6’4” his nearly 100 hits on the year still make an impact. Also, his playoff experience will be invaluable.
What Does This All Mean for the Sabres
As the 2024 NHL trade deadline looms, it made sense for the Sabres to trade Erik Johnson. The Sabres endured a disappointing campaign. Therefore, trading away assets at the trade deadline is the right move. Their young team has a lot of talent, but it seems still a few pieces away from truly contending. Hopefully building for the short-term works.
What Does The Erik Johnson Trade Mean for His New Team
Any team that adds Erik Johnson at the trade deadline is doing so for one reason. That reason? They need a depth defenceman, who is a great locker-room NHL veteran. He has had a long career in the trenches, and brings the size, toughness, and abilities that you need in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. He can slot in on the third pair, to help reduce the load on the team’s top four. Furthermore, his experience allows him to play in many different situations. This may end up as a very unassuming move, only time will tell.
Philadelphia gets an experienced blueliner for their unexpected push. The Flyers have some work to do to hold off the New York Islanders.
Main photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
