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NHL free agency: Ranking the best defenseman options

By Marci Rubin

Apr 2, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) hits New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2021; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov (9) hits New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 18, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) skates against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2023; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) skates against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Top NHL UFA defenseman options: 6. Erik Johnson

Age: 35
2022-23 team: Colorado Avalanche

Erik Johnson is a big, physical defenseman who skates well. Johnson was a first-overall draft pick by the St. Louis Blues back in 2006. He was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2011, where he has played ever since. Johnson signed a massive seven-year $42 million extension with the Avalanche in 2015 for the 2016-17 season through the 2022-23 season. Johnson won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022 and is the longest-tenured member of the team.

Johnson is a big presence on the ice who finishes checks. He has a high hockey IQ that gives him the ability to read a play. Johnson is a player who stays out of the penalty box. A downside for Johnson is that he has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. He missed part of the 2022-23 regular season with a broken ankle. He returned in time for the end of the season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Johnson’s veteran presence on the team has been important over the past few years.

In 63 regular season games in 2022-23, Johnson blocked 102 shots and made 121 hits. Once known for being a two-way player, Johnson’s offensive output has dropped off in recent years. He didn’t score any goals during the regular season and had just 8 assists. He did score a big goal in Round 1 of the playoffs, although his team was eliminated.

As the oldest player on this list, 35-year-old Johnson is least likely to get a long-term contract. He’s nearing the end of his career, but Johnson is still looking to help out a team next season. It’s unclear if the Avalanche are interested in bringing him back at this stage of his career, but if they do, he would likely have a smaller role than he’s used to. If he can prove he’s still an asset, Johnson should be able to stick around in the NHL for a few more years.

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