Johnson’s current contract, which expires July 1, carries a $3.75 million salary cap hit.
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Colorado announced Tuesday that Johnson, 27, has been signed through the 2022-23 season.
“I’m humbled, honored and very excited to be part of this group for the next seven years”, Johnson said in a statement.
If Johnson’s knee continues to be a problem, though – or if he continues to have issues with injuries lingering longer than expected – then this is a cap hit that could be a pain to carry over time. “The players, the names, just the intensity of really wanting to beat each other bad”. Keep an eye out for more Avalanche contract news, because it’s bound to come throughout the year. I’m not out to get something over my value on the market. “It’s just another chapter and the big thing is continuing to write that”.
Avalanche Executive Vice President Joe Sakic suggested that Johnson is entering the “prime years of his career”, which I respectfully disagree with.
For Colorado, that’s probably a good deal. It was fair for both sides.
But if former Red Wings forward Kris Draper is correct, the alumni game that will be held one day earlier could be every bit as interesting.
In addition to his comments in the story, here’s what Johnson said about avoiding the temptation to become complacent after signing a deal that locks him up – but also sets him up financially – for the next eight seasons.
“It got bitter, but the level of play was outstanding”, Sakic said.
The 20-man rosters have not been finalized but they will feature players who suited up for the teams from 1996-2002, when they combined to win the Stanley Cup five times. Like I said, 27-year-old defensemen of that quality don’t grow on trees. “And now that we have it out of the way, we can focus on the hockey season and focus on winning hockey games, which is clearly the most important thing”.
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Johnson will be 35 when the contract ends, prompting him to say: “It makes me cringe”. I remember breaking in as a 19-year-old (with St. Louis) and playing with Keith Tkachuk who was that age and I thought he was so old.
