Avalanche, Erik Johnson Agree To 7-Year Contract Extension

DENVER (AP) - The Colorado Avalanche have locked up Erik Johnson through the 2022-23 season, signing the defenseman to a seven-year contract extension Tuesday.

Johnson scored a career-high 12 goals last season before missing the final 34 games with a knee injury. He also made his first NHL All-Star team but couldn't play due to the injury.

General manager Joe Sakic says the 27-year-old is a "big part of the core of this team."

Johnson was acquired by Colorado on Feb. 18, 2011, from St. Louis, which originally drafted him with the No. 1 pick in 2006. Johnson says he is "humbled, honored and very excited to be part of this group for the next seven years."

The Bloomington, Minnesota, native helped Team USA capture a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

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