Erik Johnson

Erik Robert Johnson, born on March 21, 1988, serves as an American ice hockey defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known by the moniker "Condor," Johnson was initially chosen by the St. Louis Blues as the first overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He has also been part of the Colorado Avalanche, contributing to their Stanley Cup victory in 2022.

A product of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, Johnson played a season at the University of Minnesota before embarking on his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues in 2007. Following a trade in 2011, he played for the Colorado Avalanche until signing with the Buffalo Sabres for the 2023-2024 NHL season.

Erik Johnson's Personal Information

Erik Johnson’s Early Life

Erik Johnson's early hockey journey commenced at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota, where he showcased his talent during his freshman and sophomore seasons. In the 2003–04 season, he led all defensemen in scoring, earning a spot on the Missota All-Conference Team with 13 goals and 34 points.

At 16, Johnson transitioned to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to join the National Team Development Program (NTDP). His outstanding performance extended to the international stage, leading to his selection as the first overall pick by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. This made him the first American-born defenseman chosen first overall without playing Canadian major junior or collegiate hockey.

Despite committing to the University of Minnesota, Johnson opted not to sign a professional contract with the Blues initially, becoming the first player in 44 years to play college hockey after being selected No.1 overall. In his freshman year with the Golden Gophers (2006–07 season), he quickly established himself in a top defensive role, tallying 4 goals and 24 points in 41 contests. Johnson's collegiate career concluded when he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues on April 20, 2007.

Erik Johnson’s Personal Life

Erik Johnson has an active personal life. Johnson is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Jackie Johnson. Erik Johnson is also known for his commitment to his team and his aspirations for further success in his hockey career.

Erik Johnson's personal life extends beyond his hockey career. He is the nephew of Sean Duffy, a Republican politician and former U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th district. In addition to his achievements on the ice, Johnson is involved in horse racing as a proprietor and commercial racehorse breeder for ERJ Racing, LLC. He considers this venture as his "outlet away from hockey and my passion." One of his racehorses, Landeskog, is notably named after his former teammate Gabriel Landeskog.

Erik Johnson's Family Background

Jack Johnson's parents are Tina Johnson and Jack Johnson Sr. There is limited public information available regarding Erik Johnson's family background.

Jack Johnson's financial journey is a cautionary tale of parental mismanagement. Despite earning $18 million in his NHL career, Johnson filed for bankruptcy on October 7, after signing a seven-year, $30.5 million contract in 2011. Court documents revealed that Johnson's parents, Tina and Jack Johnson Sr., borrowed extensively against their son's future earnings, accumulating at least $15 million in high-interest loans with multiple defaults. They used the funds to buy a beach house, and cars, and upgraded their property, often traveling to watch Johnson play.

Johnson was unaware of some purchases and faced lawsuits for loan defaults. His parents bought a house with his money without his knowledge, and when questioned, they dismissed his concerns, urging him to focus on hockey.

Erik Johnson’s Girlfriend

Erik Johnson's girlfriend is Jackie Johnson. They have been in a long-term relationship, and while some sources claim they have gotten married, it appears they are not married yet. Erik mentioned that he would focus on his team and winning the Stanley Cup before making any decisions about his romantic life.

Erik and Jackie have been supportive of each other, often seen together in public, and are open about their relationship. They have exchanged rings, possibly promise rings, and are frequently spotted enjoying their time together. Jackie has not disclosed much about her private life to the media.

Erik Johnson's Kids

As of 2024, Erik Johnson and his girlfriend, Jackie Johnson do not have any children.

Erik Johnson's Social Media

Erik Johnson is active on Instagram with the username @6erikjohnson6. His account has 66.1k followers, and he shares updates about his hockey career and personal life.

Erik Johnson’s Net Worth

Erik Johnson has accumulated a substantial net worth of $6 million throughout his successful career (as of 2024). His earnings reflect a remarkable journey, with estimated career earnings totaling $66,652,439 over 17 seasons. Johnson's financial success is a testament to his skill, dedication, and longevity in the professional hockey arena.

Erik Johnson as a Brand Ambassador

Erik Johnson has not signed any brand ambassador deals as of yet.

Erik Johnson's Investments

Erik Johnson has not disclosed any information regarding his investments in any public sector.

Erik Johnson's Career Stats

Erik Johnson's hockey journey began at the Academy of Holy Angels, showcasing remarkable skills in high school. Transitioning through the U.S. NTDP and college at the University of Minnesota, he entered the NHL with the St. Louis Blues.

Over 920 regular-season games, Johnson amassed 337 points, demonstrating his prowess. His playoff contributions and 514 penalty minutes reflect a versatile and dedicated player, leaving an indelible mark on professional ice hockey (stats of 2022-23 season).

Erik Johnson's Achievements

Erik Johnson's achievements span across his college and professional career, earning recognition for his exceptional skills. In college, he made the All-WCHA Rookie Team in 2007. In the NHL, Johnson participated in the NHL Young Stars Game in 2008 and earned a spot in the prestigious NHL All-Star Game in 2015. His pinnacle achievement came in 2022 when he secured the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche.

On the international stage, Johnson's contributions led to various accolades, including a Silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, a Bronze at the 2013 World Championships, a Bronze at the 2007 World Junior Championships, and a Gold at both the 2005 and 2006 World U18 Championships.

Erik Johnson's Contract

Currently, Erik Johnson is under a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres, valued at $3,250,000, with the entire amount guaranteed. His annual average salary is $3,250,000, and for the 2023-24 season, Johnson will receive a base salary of $3,250,000, carrying a corresponding cap hit.

In the past, Johnson has had several noteworthy contracts. From 2015 to 2022, he was under a seven-year contract with a total value of $42,000,000, averaging an annual salary of $6,000,000. His free agency was set for 2023. Prior to that, Johnson signed a four-year contract from 2012 to 2015, totaling $15,000,000, with an annual average salary of $3,750,000, and he became a free agent in 2016.

Another contract was for the 2010-11 seasons, a two-year deal worth $5,200,000, with an average annual salary of $2,600,000, and he entered free agency in 2012. Johnson's initial contract in the NHL was an entry-level deal from 2007 to 2009, spanning three years and valued at $11,100,000, with an average annual salary of $3,700,000.

Erik Johnson's Diet

There is no specific information available about Erik Johnson's current diet plan.

Erik Johnson's House

In August 2022, defenseman Erik Johnson made a real estate move by purchasing a new house in Cherry Hills Village. The 7,582-square-foot residence, located at 4660 S. Franklin St., was acquired for $7.2 million through a trust.

Notably, Johnson engaged in a property swap, with the seller, Cubs Partnership (managed by Brian and Jean Addy), simultaneously purchasing Johnson's previous home at 201 Summit Blvd. in Cherry Hills for $3.2 million.

The new house boasts six bedrooms, and seven bathrooms, and sits on a spacious 3.09 acres. In contrast, Johnson's former residence, which he acquired for $2 million in 2015, features five bedrooms, three bathrooms, high ceilings, marble countertops, wool carpet, and various upgrades.

Erik Johnson's Cars

Erik Johnson has not revealed any information regarding his car collection. Neither has he flaunted any cars on his social media.