Several Colorado Avalanche players became unrestricted free agents on July 1 and the first one to depart is the one who has been with the team the longest.
Longtime Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson will no longer be in burgundy and blue this upcoming season.
The 35-year-old signed with the Buffalo Sabres Saturday, according to the Avalanche.
Johnson spent the last 13 seasons with Colorado and won the Stanley Cup with the team in 2022.
The Minnesota native was the No.1 draft pick in 2006 by the St. Louis Blues and he spent three seasons with the Bluenotes. He was traded to Colorado with Jay McClement for winger Chris Stewart, defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk and a second-round draft choice in February of 2011.
Johnson suffered multiple injuries throughout his career but played a solid game creating scoring chances and providing the Avalanche with the big-man defense it needed.
In his career with the Avs, Johnson played 717 games but not one perfect attendance season due to injury. He earned 246 points during his tenure with Colorado.
According to Puckpedia, Johnson just finished out a seven-year contract worth $42 million with the Avalanche. He signed a one-year contract with the Sabres for $3.25 million.
Johnson's experience and leadership with the Avs will be missed in the locker room and on the ice. The team will be looking to fill that void with a comparably-sized D-man.