The Avalanche need defensive depth and should bring back an old friend because of it.
The Colorado Avalanche are one of the best teams in the league, so they are naturally going to be buyers at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. They are looking for two specific things: a second-line center and a backup/1B goaltender. Yet, they also would benefit by adding some defensive depth to their right side.
The NHL trade market has a handful of right-shot defensemen like Chris Tanev, Sean Walker, Tyson Barrie, and Ilya Lyubushkin. However, the right-shot defenseman whom the Avalanche should seriously consider adding is old friend Erik Johnson.
Erik Johnson Johnson, 35, is, of course, remembered for his excellent 13-year stint with the Avalanche, which ended this offseason after he signed with the Buffalo Sabres. Yet, with the Sabres being out of the playoff race, the club will be talking to Johnson about potential trade options leading up to the deadline.
If the Sabres and Johnson decide that a trade is the best move, the Avalanche need to consider bringing him back. He would once again give them a reliable and steady right-shot defenseman for their bottom pairing. With that, he was heavily respected by his former Avalanche teammates due to his marvelous leadership skills and team-first mentality. As a result, he would be welcomed back with open arms by them.
Erik Johnson At this time, the Avs have not been officially linked to Johnson, but things could change on that front. We will need to wait and see if a reunion occurs between them from here.
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