Sabres Sign Erik Johnson to One-Year Deal

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Erik Johnson on a one-year contract worth $3.25 million.

Free Agent Frenzy is still chugging along. 

The Buffalo Sabres made an effort to fortify their blueline on Saturday, agreeing to terms with defenseman Erik Johnson on a one-year contract worth $3.25 million. 

The deal represents a nice payday for the veteran defender who comes to Buffalo after a successful run with the Colorado Avalanche that included a Stanley Cup in 2022. 

Still, this is a lot of money to pay a player of Johnson's ability at this stage of his career. 

The 35-year-old finished with zero goals and eight assists for eight points while logging 17:15 in average nightly ice time. With little-to-no offensive upside to offer, Johnson is purely a defensively-focused player these days. And with his style of play and the gnarly and extensive litany of injuries he's suffered over the year, health is a major issue, as well. 

The good news is that Johnson is a beloved veteran leader in hockey circles and represents only a one-year gamble. And with the Sabres having available cap space and no prospects in need of lucrative extensions ahead of next season, GM Kevyn Adams can afford to overpay for intangibles to improve his roster. 

Stay tuned. More signings are continuing to roll in.