It was an emotional return to Ball Arena for the former Colorado Avalanche defenseman.
The Colorado Avalanche said good bye this offseason to one of its longest standing players, Erik Johnson, after spending most of his career in burgundy and blue.
Johnson — best known as EJ — was drafted first overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2006 and spent nearly four seasons with the organization. He was traded to the Avalanche on Feb. 19, 2011 and remained with Colorado for the next 12 seasons.
The 35-year-old defenseman's contract expired at the end of last season and the Avs were unable to re-sign him. He agreed to a one-year deal for $3.25 million with the Buffalo Sabres on July 1.
"Until this year, it was every year, it was EJ (Johnson) here. Obviously it's different now," Nathan MacKinnon said. "Hopefully he gets a good ovation, gets welcomed back as he deserves."
Johnson was with the Avalanche when all three elite players — MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar — were drafted. He was part of the influence of their growth with the organization through the years.
"One of the leaders on the team, especially on the backend, I think he was crucial ...," MacKinnon said about his former teammate. "Having a veteran guy like EJ is very important for the development of all the young players we have — I know he helped Bo (Bowen Byram) and Cale (Makar) out a lot when they were rookies and yeah, we definitely miss him."
Johnson considers Denver home and still has a house in the metro area. He will always be a fan favorite for Avs Faithful and Altitude Sports has a tribute that will air during the game.
"Big part of this team here for a lot of years and a guy that's well-respected and well-liked in our locker room ..., head coach Jared Bednar said. "Be nice to come out with the bragging rights out of this one so the guys can give it to EJ a little bit."
The Minnesota native got emotional when he spoke with the media — most of whom he greeted by name and welcomed. He said he is excited to play but knows it will be difficult.
"Sorry if I have any waterworks here but it's just the team meant a lot to me, all of the guys, it's going to be hard for sure," Johnson said after morning skate. "Just coming back here, all my best friends and the organization and just the city has been so great to me, it'll be hard."
You can watch the entirety of EJ's interview in the player above.