JUST IN: Erik “Condor” Johnson returns to Denver for a night of hockey and recognition.
The Condor makes a comeback to Denver, but on this occasion, he assumes the role of a defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres.
Tomorrow night at Ball Arena, the Colorado Avalanche and the Buffalo Sabres are scheduled to go head-to-head in a unique interconference matchup. What makes this particular game special is the anticipated return of Avalanche legend and Stanley Cup Champion Erik Johnson, who will be warmly welcomed by fans at Ball Arena.
EJ held the distinction of being the longest-serving figure in Colorado sports before opting for a deal on the open market and relocating to Buffalo. His departure likely carried emotional weight, given his vocal and genuine expressions about the close bonds he shared with his former Avalanche teammates. This sentiment was evident in his heartfelt statement following the finalization of the deal.
In this week’s episode of Mile High Hockey Lab, Jackie Kay eloquently expressed that Condor’s most enduring legacy as an Avalanche player will be the meaningful relationships he forged.
He has been transparent about his admiration and commitment to both teammates and the organization. This dedication to the team manifested itself in various ways over the years. One notable instance was when he spoke candidly following Matt Duchene’s well-publicized mid-game trade, emphasizing the collective desire to play for and triumph in Denver. He expressed optimism about having a cohesive group focused on a common goal.
The team experienced the impact of his return to the roster after enduring two consecutive seasons marked by injuries. Ultimately, his unwavering commitment culminated in a triumphant moment, lifting the cup alongside key teammates such as Nathan MacKinnon, Gabe Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, and JT Compher. Their shared determination to achieve success in Denver, evident even during challenging times in 2017, underscored the significance of the bonds within the team.
It’s fair to state that Avalanche fans hold a deep sense of gratitude and pride for Johnson and the lasting impact he has had on their cherished franchise. EJ stood steadfastly with the team through the peaks and valleys of Colorado’s current era. He endured the challenges of the 48-point season and played a pivotal role in the triumphant cup run in 2022. Particularly memorable is his contribution to breaking the second-round curse when, with little time left, EJ made a break, delivering a pass off the boards that Darren Helm skillfully slapped home. The resulting chaos marked a pivotal moment, propelling the Avs forward in the competition.
He glided across the deserted rink well after everyone else had departed, marking his celebration as a true champion in 2022. During that poignant moment, there lingered a collective sense that Erik Johnson’s tenure in Denver would inevitably conclude, be it through retirement or free agency. It brings joy to see that Erik Johnson remains a prominent figure in the league, if only for this specific night—a night where he will revisit his hockey home and be recognized as a steadfast and devoted champion of the Colorado Avalanche organization.
