After 1,023 career NHL games, Erik Johnson is hanging up his jersey.

The 37-year-old defenceman announced his retirement on Wednesday.

“After 18 incredible years in the NHL, I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude,” Johnson said in a statement released by the Colorado Avalanche.

The six-foot-four Johnson was picked first overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Draft. He went on to record 95 goals, 253 assists and 555 penalty minutes in his career with the Blues, Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers.

The Minnesota native spent the majority of his career with the Avalanche, who re-acquired him at the trade deadline last season in a deal with the Flyers.

Johnson won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022 and captured a silver medal at the 2010 Olympics with the

See Full Page