VOORHEES, N.J. – Erik Johnson is about to hit the coveted 1,000-games played mark and that’s a significant milestone.
If Johnson plays all three games of the Flyers’ upcoming road trip through Carolina, Tampa and Florida, he will become the 399th player in NHL history to achieve the four-digit mark in games played on Saturday against the Panthers.
Not bad, considering 7,051 players have competed in at least one game in the history of hockey’s top professional league.
The 36-year-old Johnson’s bright mind as well as his fortitude probably have a lot to do with this accomplishment.
He’s had his share of significant injuries, especially in recent years and yet here he is 17 seasons after breaking in with the St. Louis Blues as a 19-year-old backliner way back in the 2007-08 season.
The Bloomington, Minn. native was an unsigned free agent at the end of last season but, in addition to just reaching the one-thousand mark, he wanted to do it with the Flyers because he believed he could help a young team get back on its feet.
Getting his 1,000th NHL game with the Flyers makes the occasion a little extra special.
“My short time here, when I got here at the deadline, it really felt like it was a great group,” Johnson said. “(Here) is kind of a similar building process to what we did in Colorado. A lot of good young kids and a great culture. I thought maybe I could help off the ice. Do whatever I was asked to help move the organization forward. My wife and I love it here. A special place for us.”
Scott Laughton, fourth on the Flyers with 613 games played, tipped his hat to Johnson after Monday’s practice at the Flyers Training Center.
“It’s amazing,” Laughton said. “It’s a testament to being a good pro. And sticking around – the longevity. He was hurt for a lot but really, really impressive what he’s done. Stanley Cup champ (with Colorado in 2022), an ultimate pro. I’m very happy for him.
“Don’t want to jinx him but it’s always special when a guy hits it. Doesn’t matter how long he’s played with you. You always remember guys who hit it. It’s awesome. He’s still got a lot of game left in him. Great with the young guys. He takes care of himself and makes it easier for the younger guys to come in so it’s awesome.”
A number of 1,000-games achievers have played for the Flyers but only one, Bobby Clarke at 1,210, has done so for all of them in a Philadelphia uniform.
Defenseman Travis Sanheim has played in 509 NHL games and believes Johnson’s career is a model of consistency.
Johnson probably could have signed somewhere else but he chose to stay here after coming over in a trade from Buffalo last season and found Philadelphia to his liking.
“I think he came back because he liked it here,” Sanheim said. “He liked the group. He’s a great veteran. There’s a reason he’s going to play a thousand games. The way he approaches the game on and off the ice. How he is as a teammate in the locker room. He keeps the room light at times, knows when to speak. Just a great leader, great veteran. Happy to have his voice. Looking forward to celebrating with him for his thousandth game.”
For head coach John Tortorella, it’s almost like having another assistant coach in the locker room.
“I’ve known E.J. from back in national tournaments, the Olympics,” Tortorella said. “He loved his time here last year and that’s why he’s here. He called Danny (Briere, team GM) and I over the summer and Mark Stahl was going to retire, kind of in the same situation.”
The three agreed to try it again for one more year and so far it’s worked out well. First there were injuries to Nick Seeler and Cam York, then Egor Zamula started to struggle. So Johnson has already played in 10 of a possible 12 games.
“He told me he just wants to be in the locker room,” Tortorella said. “He knows his role. I don’t think he thought he would be playing this much this early. But he accepted the role. He just wanted to be a part of it. The injuries? He’s just a pro. He gets through it. He’s always done it that way.”
