The Colorado Avalanche made one last move before the NHL trade deadline, and it included a familiar face.
Colorado added Erik Johnson from the Philadelphia Flyers for Givani Smith. Sportsnet first reported the deal shortly after the 1 p.m. deadline.
Johnson played 717 of his 1,009 career games during a 13-year run with the Avs.
“I think it’s just the perfect fit,” Avs defenseman Devon Toews said. “We know what he brings. He knows how to play with a lot of the players in here, what we’re trying to build in here, and just fits right into our culture.
“It will be fun to have that face, that personality back in the room.”
Johnson has played 22 games for the Flyers this season. This addition gives the Avs another depth option on defense after dealing away Oliver Kylington on Thursday night in the Brock Nelson trade.
Johnson won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. He signed with the Buffalo Sabres ahead of last season before being traded to the Flyers and re-signing a one-year deal with them for 2024-25.
“That’s awesome,” Avs star Nathan MacKinnon said of the trade. “Really exciting. Good for our room and our D-corps back there. He’s a great leader back there.”
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This is a developing story and will be updated.
