Flyers Trade
Flyers Send Depth Defenseman Back to his Former Club at the Buzzer
In a buzzer-beater move, the Philadelphia Flyers traded Erik Johnson back to the Colorado Avalanche, where he spent most of his career. In return, the Flyers received forward Givani Smith from Colorado.
Johnson was not getting much playing time in Philadelphia. He resigned with the team, understanding his role as a veteran presence on a young team, and the seventh defenseman. He had played 22 games with the Flyers in 2024/25, scoring one goal and two assists for three total points.
Now, he reunites with his old teammates, and will likely finish his career in the place where he won a Stanley Cup, while chasing one more.
The Avalanche are smack in the middle of the cup hunt, and after acquiring Brock Nelson late Thursday night, they seem poised to compete for their second championship in four years.
Earlier in the season, Johnson dropped the gloves with Smith while he was with the San Jose Sharks. The tilt was initiated after Johnson came to the defense of Flyers’ rookie Matvei Michkov, who Smith threw a couple of jabs at.
Watch: New Flyer Givani Smith Dropped the Gloves with Former Flyer Erik Johnson
Smith has not played in the NHL since December 27th. He has been in the AHL since, where he tallied one point in seven games. It is fully possible Smith never plays for the Flyers. Given his current status in the AHL, he’ll likely report straight to Lehigh Valley. It’s possible he does not see the NHL.
Read More:Â BREAKING: Flyers Trade Laughton for Draft Pick and Prospect
Another head scratcher from Danny B. EJ is a good dude and he’s going to be slotted in as the sixth defenceman for a Colorado team that is looking to make a run. But at least get something of value in return for that. Isn’t that worth a 5th round pick even if that’s a 2026 or 2027 pick? Instead, Brier got a fraction of a percentage point over zero in return.
Time for him to go. He hasn’t improved this team by any measurable amount. His drafts have been questionable. His returns have been pathetic and his UFA signings have been limited.
Getting to this shortly. But I’ll share some now.
In his presser, Briere labeled it as a respect move for EJ. He had no league value as a 7th Dman on the Flyers. Briere is simply sending him to the place where his friends are, where he is familiar and happy, and giving him one last chance to win a cup.
I am surely that was the case. And respect to Briere for shipping EJ back to Denver. But again… Get at least SOMETHING in return for EJ. I don’t think grabbing a 5th rounder was too big an ask, especially when Briere just shipped a fourth and sixth in the Laughton deal. He’s lost the plot.
You have heard of playing with house money,well Danny is playing with NO money.If you want to put a blame somewhere go find where Chuck Fletcher lives and ball him out,his moves put Danny and jonesy in a bad spot for a couple of years.He gave extensions to players like Kevin Hayes who they have to pay until the 25-26 season ends.You know being a hockey fan there is only so much of a salary cap,unlike some of the other sports where it’s a lot higher.I want to see winning hockey here also,2010 seems like forever ago.