Erik Johnson is not ready to retire from the game of hockey, not even close. The desire to play and the excitement to put on the jersey each and every night still fuels him. And putting on the Flyers jersey is even more important to him.
Johnson only appeared in 17 games for the Flyers after being traded from Buffalo. But upon his arrival, he could instantly tell how close the locker room was and how welcoming they were. It was a big reason that he decided to return. It wasn't just the players themselves, it was the entire leadership group and the way that the organization is run that gave Johnson the feeling that this is where he wanted to play.
""Just from the leadership of Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones, Danny Briere, on down to the coaching staff with Torts and the assistants and the players. It's a first-class organization and it was really somewhere I wanted to be.""
Erik Johnson called it a "no-brainer" to re-sign with the Flyers
Johnson was the first overall selection in 2006 and has been in the NHL since 2007. He has played for the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, and now Flyers. He will reach the 1,000-game mark this season, sitting at 987 regular season games. Add in the 55 playoff games and Johnson has appeared in well over 1,000 career games.
He came into the league as a young, offensive-minded defenseman who used the power play as his man strength. That role has changed over the years as Johnson will enter his 18th year in the league. Now he is looked at as more of a defensive, penalty-kill player. He can provide leadership and mentorship to those just breaking into the league.
It's a role that won't see him playing every night. It's a much different role than Johnson is used to, but he is more than happy to do whatever the team needs him to do.
""I'm here to help these guys on and off the ice. Whether it's 20, 30, 40, 50 games or whatever it is. I'm here for them and I'm here for the Flyers. And whatever they're going to ask of me, I'm going to do.""
Johnson is well aware that his days of playing over 20 minutes a night are behind him and he has accepted that. It's about helping everyone else and making sure to keep the same energy and passion no matter the situation.
And while there are times to be serious, Johnson also called himself "a kid at heart" and someone who can joke around and have fun around the locker room. Being surrounded by younger players, Johnson has been able to look back on the veterans that he had and has carried the knowledge they gave him.
One of those players that Johnson has already helped is Matvei Michkov. The two share the same representation and have already begun speaking via Instagram. He has offered his help in any way that helps Michkov acclimate to Philadelphia. It could be as simple as needing a ride or needing recommendations of places to eat.
That type of leadership and mentorship is just as important off the ice as it is on it. Johnson knows he can be someone who can help be that barrier between some of the players and the coaches as well. For a group that is working to become a contender in this league, having players who have been there before and know what it takes is an invaluable thing to have.
""I think it's super important for us players to realize that just because those expectations aren't heightened and aren't there doesn't mean that we can't do something special. I think the guys have to realize that every year is an opportunity. Your career is only so long. Maybe it's a young team with low expectations, but that doesn't mean anything. We can go in and surprise a bunch of teams, a bunch of pundits, whoever." "
Believing that they can make a run and do damage is something Johnson expects the team to preach right from the get-go when camp starts later this year. The Flyers got close to doing that last season before falling off at the end. It won't get any easier for a team that still isn't expected to compete.
But remember what this team did when everyone counted them out? It's time to do that again and Johnson is ready to be a part of that in a place he always wanted to come back to.
""I love the game. I love playing for the Flyers, love the guys. It was a no-brainer to return.""