By Jordan Long
The Colorado Avalanche made a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks. Colorado sent Andreas Englund and received a familiar face back, Jack Johnson. Johnson is expected to be in the lineup tonight when Colorado faces the Vegas Golden Knights.
Englund is a young defenseman who didn’t work out with the Avalanche. He appeared in 36 games for Colorado, with only 3 assists. He was a physical defenseman who played a bottom role for the Avalanche. Colorado knew to make another deep run to the cup, they needed a veteran defenseman. This is where Johnson helps the Avalanche. He was on the Cup winning team last year, playing 78 regular season games for the Avalanche, scoring 1 goal and adding 8 assists for 9 points. In the postseason run, he played in 13 games for Colorado but didn’t record a point. Colorado needed him for his strong defense. The playoffs are more physical and that is where Johnson excelled. With his play, the Avalanche were able to win the Stanley Cup.
Colorado could have kept Johnson on the team. He was a free agent. Instead, Colorado let him test free agency. He agreed to a 1-year deal worth $950,000 with Chicago.
Chicago knew they would be sellers at the deadline. They stand at 21-32-5 for 47 points, 2nd to the last team in the Western Conference. Only the Anaheim Ducks have fewer points at 45. Chicago knew they were going to be sellers.
Colorado knew they needed to add depth to the roster, especially at the defenseman position with Erik Johnson out. Erik Johnson will miss the rest of the regular season with a broken ankle. It may keep him out of the postseason as well.
The move of Jack Johnson just ensures the Avalanche have depth. Johnson is going to see playing time as a bottom defenseman in the lineup. Colorado knows Johnson checks opponents off the puck to end scoring chances. He can also use his body to block shots. Offensively he skates the puck into the offensive zone passing the puck to his teammates. Don’t expect him to score since that is not his strong suit. Either way though, Colorado has gotten better with this one move.
The NHL trade deadline is on March 3rd at 1 PM Mountain Time. Colorado is primed for another deep postseason run.
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