Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson is heading back to the Colorado Avalanche, where he spent 13 of his 17 NHL seasons, and where he won a Stanley Cup in 2022.
The Flyers will receive right winger Givani Smith in return.
In 39 games with the Flyers, Johnson recorded three goals and three assists. During his year in Philadelphia, he was easily one of the most beloved players in the locker room, and quickly won the hearts of fans with his outgoing and humorous personality.
A particularly notable bit was Johnson's running joke of performing increasingly elaborate antics in the background of the Flyers' pre-game informational videos.
GM Danny Briere said that the deal was a "favor" more than anything for his former teammate, giving Johnson a chance to make another playoff run with the team he spent so much of his career with.
Johnson did state multiple times during his tenure with the Flyers how much he loved his teammates and how much he enjoyed being a part of the organization.
"It's a group that cares about each other," he said of the team in November. "Everyone works hard. I think they have the best interests of the team...You can't be a robot all year. You have to let your hair down and have fun, and I think we do that as a group. I think we enjoy each other, especially away from the rink. We have a lot of fun on road trips, so when you become tight away from the rink, it just adds to chemistry on the ice."
Briere confirmed that Givani Smith will immediately be assigned to the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms upon his arrival.
-1741320436-q80.webp "Flyers Avoid Shutout, Fall 4-1 to Jets Thursday Night")
