Rangers consider veteran Erik Johnson for defensive depth as the NHL season approaches
As the NHL season draws near, teams are scrambling to finalize their rosters, seeking those last-minute additions that can provide stability in the face of injuries or underperformance. The free agent market is thinning, forcing some franchises to get creative in their strategies, while others may choose to stand pat, waiting for the regular season to reveal their needs. Among those in search of reinforcement are the New York Rangers, a team currently treading water with no clear direction.
Rangers in need of stability
The Rangers have been the subject of trade speculation involving their marquee players, such as Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad. Yet, according to analysts, a more prudent approach might be to bolster their defensive lineup with seasoned leadership. One name that has emerged in discussions is Erik Johnson, a former Stanley Cup champion whose experience could serve as a valuable asset.
Recently, Nestor Quixtan of Heavy.com advocated for the Rangers to consider bringing Johnson into their fold. He emphasized that while Johnson may not be the 20-minute-a-night defenseman he once was, he remains a physical and defensively adept player who could effectively fill a seventh or eighth defenseman role.
Erik Johnson’s experience and value
At 37 years old, Johnson played last season with the Colorado Avalanche, where he spent 14 seasons and captured a Stanley Cup in 2021-22. Over the course of his career, he has appeared in 1,023 games, accumulating 348 points—95 goals and 253 assists. Beyond his offensive contributions, Johnson boasts impressive defensive stats, including 1,717 blocked shots and 1,695 hits.
Despite entering the twilight of his career, Johnson shows no signs of slowing down. As seen with players like John Tavares, Alex Ovechkin, and Erik Karlsson, age can often be merely a number. His potential to mentor younger players on the Rangers’ roster—such as K’Andre Miller, Zachary Jones, Adam Fox, and Victor Mancini—could be particularly beneficial. Head coach Mike Sullivan has a penchant for relying on veteran players, making Johnson an intriguing option for the coaching staff.
Low-risk, high-reward opportunity
The financial aspect of signing Johnson also presents a favorable scenario for the Rangers. If he agrees to a league-minimum contract, the Rangers could utilize him throughout the season without jeopardizing their salary cap. This creates an opportunity for the team to assess his fit during training camp without significant risk.
Ultimately, the prospect of adding a former first overall pick and Stanley Cup winner like Johnson is enticing. The Rangers could easily opt out if he does not meet expectations, allowing them to move on without any repercussions. However, the prestige associated with his career could make him a compelling addition, one that the organization may not want to pass up.
In a time when the Rangers are searching for clarity and direction, Erik Johnson could provide not just depth on the ice but also the leadership and experience needed to guide a young team. As the season approaches, the move could be one worth considering for a franchise looking to solidify its path forward.
