NHL fans have shared their sadness over a legend announcing his retirement from the league on Wednesday.
An NHL franchise saw one of its franchise icons leave the game.
An NHL organization has seen one of his longtime star announce his retirement with the 2025-26 season approaching[/caption]
Veteran defenseman Erik Johnson has called it quits after 17 NHL seasons[/caption]
Former No. 1 overall pick and Stanley Cup champion defensive Erik Johnson announced his retirement from the NHL on Wednesday.
Johnson had played for 17 seasons and spent the majority of his career with the Colorado Avalanche, where he won the Stanley cup in 2022.
“After 18 incredible years in the NHL, I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude,” Johnson said in a statement.
“To the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers and most of all the Colorado Avalanche: thank you for the opportunities and memories, especially the 2022 Stanley Cup.
“To my teammates, coaches, and staff: your support, camaraderie, and dedication shaped my career.
“To the fans: your passion made every moment unforgettable.
“To my family and friends: your unconditional love and support carried me through.
Johnson finished by saying, “Hockey has been my life, and I’m grateful for every second. I’m excited for what’s next and will always cherish this journey.”
The 37-year-old played for the Avalanche from 2011 to 2023 and returned in 2025 to finish out his career with the franchise.
NHL and Avs fans sent their messages to Johnson after hearing the announcement.
“Soooo sad and so grateful to have watched EJ play for the Avs,” one wrote.
“SCREAMING CRYING. Love you Johnson,” another commented.
“Thank you for everything EJ,” a third said.
Johnson was drafted by the St. Louis Blues with the first overall pick in the 2006 Draft.
Johnson lifting the Stanley Cup in celebrate after a Game 6 win of the 2022 NHL Final[/caption]
He was the first NHL defenseman in a decade to be taken No. 1.
After playing one-and-a-half seasons for the Blue, during which he earned an Olympic silver medal with Team USA at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Johnson was traded to the Avalanche halfway through the 2010-11 season.
He would spent more than a decade as a star for Colorado’s blue line.
Johnson was part of the 2022 Stanley Cup run as he averaged more than 17 minutes per game in ice time in all 20 of the Avs’ postseason games that campaign.
Johnson finished his career with two final playoff appeaerances for the Avalanche against the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2025 playoffs[/caption]
He would play for the Philadelphia Flyers before returning to Colorado toward the end of the season.
Johnson finished his career with 348 points in 1,023 regular-season games, the 25th most in NHL history among US-born defensemen.
