(UPDATE 5:45 p.m.) — The Colorado Avalanche have officially extended Erik Johnson.
NEWS: The #Avs have signed defenseman Erik Johnson to a contract extension.
INFO: http://t.co/J9N4zRMrkL pic.twitter.com/g5FGwo63G8
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 22, 2015
#Avs GM Joe Sakic on signing Erik Johnson to a 7-year extension: "Erik is a big part of the core of this team…
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 22, 2015
Sakic cont.: “We felt it was important for our franchise to secure his rights for the long term as he enters the prime years of his career.”
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 22, 2015
Our original story on Johnson and this likely extension from earlier is below.
One of the biggest reasons the Colorado Avalanche parted ways with Ryan O’Reilly this offseason was because they eventually needed to pay defensemen Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie.
Well, one of those guys is reportedly on the verge of getting his money.
The Colorado Avalanche and Erik Johnson are closing in on a long term contract extension.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 22, 2015
Johnson, who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Blues in the 2006 NHL Draft, has been with the Avalanche since the middle of the 2010-2011 season.
While he’s battled injuries in two of the last three years, there’s no disputing when he’s on the ice Johnson is the team’s best defender.
More as we get it.