Former Avalanche Goaltender Was Back in the NHL—For About 24 Hours

Former Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jonas Johansson got a brief return to the NHL this week.

Johansson was recalled by the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday after starting goaltender Linus Ullmark left Monday’s game with an undisclosed injury. The 31-year-old spent the night on Ottawa’s bench as Samuel Ersson made 31 saves in a 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

His stay in the NHL didn’t last long. Johansson was reassigned to AHL Belleville on Wednesday, suggesting Ullmark’s injury may not be as serious as initially feared. At the very least, Ullmark appears likely to back up Ersson when Ottawa faces the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, with a return to the crease also possible.

For Johansson, it was a quick trip back to the NHL after putting together a solid start to the season in Belleville. He is 1-1 with a 2.92 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in two appearances.

Johansson is no stranger to the NHL, though his results at the highest level have been inconsistent. He spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, going 32-23-10 with a 3.26 goals-against average and a save percentage below .900 during that span.

Before his time in Tampa Bay, Johansson spent parts of three seasons with the Avalanche and their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles. He went 10-3-2 in 15 NHL appearances with Colorado, posting a 2.63 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.

The Avalanche originally acquired Johansson after he was drafted 61st overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL Draft. He also spent time in the Sabres organization before eventually finding his way to Colorado.

Johansson’s latest NHL stint may have lasted only one game, but for a goaltender trying to work his way back into the league, even a short recall is a reminder that opportunities can come quickly.