Johnson is slated to play his 1,000th career NHL game on Nov. 16 against the Buffalo Sabres, the team the Flyers acquired him from back in March.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson didn't have to think too hard when the organization offered him a one-year deal back in July, primarily to be a veteran presence whose main job is to guide the younger players as they take on more responsibilities within the team.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson (77) during practice at the Flyers Training Center.
"In my short time here, when I got here at the deadline, I really felt like it was a great group and kind of a similar building process like what we did [with the Colorado Avalanche]," Johnson said. "I think the team is on the rise and [has] a lot of good young kids and a great culture. I thought I could help off the ice and a little bit on the ice and just do whatever I was asked to help move the organization forward."
Johnson is slated to play his 1,000th career NHL game on Nov. 16 against the Buffalo Sabres, the team the Flyers acquired him from back in March.
After the Flyers' morning skate, Johnson admitted that he had made peace with the possibility of not reaching the 1,000-game milestone after the NHL's "COVID year," making this night even more special for him.
"I had, like, 700 and something games and I was fully content with just retiring," he said. "[With] the concussion and the injuries as a whole...thinking back, what's happened since then, it's just amazing all that's gone right and the great moment I've been able to share and accomplish with my teammates."
Johnson reiterated how much it means to reach this achievement in Philadelphia, with a group of teammates he's grown incredibly fond of.
"It's a cool milestone to share with the guys on this team," he said. "It's a group that cares about each other. 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."
In the short time he's been a Flyer, Johnson has easily become one of the most beloved members of the team, evidenced in part by the long round of stick taps for him as he led the post-practice stretches, followed by plenty of hugs and high-fives from his teammates.
"My wife and I really love it here," he said. "It's one of our favorite places we've lived, and it's just a really special place for us, and it's special to help move this organization as best I can."
Head coach John Tortorella emphasized Johnson's impact on the Flyers, saying, "He's one of the best ones I've senn. I've watched his interactions with his teammates and it's important.
