Flyers Send Depth Defenseman Back to his Former Club at the Buzzer

In a buzzer-beater move, the Philadelphia Flyers traded Erik Johnson back to the Colorado Avalanche, where he spent most of his career. In return, the Flyers received forward Givani Smith from Colorado.

Johnson was not getting much playing time in Philadelphia. He resigned with the team, understanding his role as a veteran presence on a young team, and the seventh defenseman. He had played 22 games with the Flyers in 2024/25, scoring one goal and two assists for three total points.

Now, he reunites with his old teammates, and will likely finish his career in the place where he won a Stanley Cup, while chasing one more.

The Avalanche are smack in the middle of the cup hunt, and after acquiring Brock Nelson late Thursday night, they seem poised to compete for their second championship in four years.

Earlier in the season, Johnson dropped the gloves with Smith while he was with the San Jose Sharks. The tilt was initiated after Johnson came to the defense of Flyers’ rookie Matvei Michkov, who Smith threw a couple of jabs at.

Smith has not played in the NHL since December 27th. He has been in the AHL since, where he tallied one point in seven games. It is fully possible Smith never plays for the Flyers. Given his current status in the AHL, he’ll likely report straight to Lehigh Valley. It’s possible he does not see the NHL.