Erik Johnson was at the Avalanche’s Alumni Game at Magness Arena on Sunday. But he wasn’t one of the former Avs skaters suited up as a member of the Alumni.
He was in the booth for Altitude TV, offering his time to the franchise he loves, despite being an unrestricted free agent without a contract.
Even though training camp begins in less than a month, the 37-year-old defenseman is not ready to call it quits. He wants to continue playing, and he made that clear at the conclusion of the Altitude broadcast.
Was great to see and catch up with Erik Johnson tonight at Avs/DU alumni event.
One of the things he mentioned to me was what he also just said on the Altitude broadcast… he wants to play next season in the NHL, but is still waiting to see what the next few weeks bring.
— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) August 25, 2025
Johnson returned to the Avalanche on trade deadline day in March. He ended up appearing in 14 games down the stretch and another two in the playoffs. But the team didn’t re-sign him before July 1. Nor did he put pen to paper on a contract with Colorado or any other team after free agency began.
Avs general manager Chris MacFarland noted at the draft that he’d circle back with some of the team’s UFA’s if they were still available. He referenced Ryan Lindgren, who ended up signing with Seattle. He also mentioned Jonathan Drouin, the forward that departed for Long Island.
Joel Kiviranta ended up coming back, signing a contract earlier this month. But Johnson remains the one notable Colorado UFA still on the market. And I’m not entirely sure if the team has a spot for him after adding Brent Burns in July and re-signing Sam Malinski before free agency.
Colorado is one of the few teams with ample depth on the right side. They have Cale Makar and Josh Manson manning the top two pairs, which means one of Malinski or Burns is probably going to play on the left side. And with Keaton Middleton as an extra option, it would mean the Avs would have to carry eight defensemen if Johnson returns.
Could he land a professional tryout as a depth piece with the club? Perhaps. But I just can’t see it happening without another trade or move on the blueline.
Colorado is his preferred destination, but at this point, it might take another club to offer a contract or PTO for Johnson to be on a roster come opening night.
