While the Avalanche are still in the early stages of rebuilding, experienced players like Johnson are crucial for guiding and mentoring younger talents. With his postseason experience and Stanley Cup ring, Johnson could be a valuable asset.
However, this season saw Johnson's ice time hit a career low as a third-pairing defenseman, playing 63 regular-season games and 7 postseason games. Additionally, his history of injuries, including a broken ankle that caused him to miss 19 games, is a concern. Despite his lengthy career, Johnson has never played a full 82-game season.