© Len Redkoles/NHLI

Erik Johnson signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on July 1 with a full understanding of what his role would be this season.

Knowing that he won’t be featured in every game, the 36-year-old defenseman still opted to commit to his 17th NHL season due to the immense satisfaction he derived from his short stint with the Flyers last year.

On Thursday, Johnson expressed his acceptance and comfort with leaving behind the days when he would spend 25 to 26 minutes at night.

I made it clear to them that I am willing to take on any role. My objective is to lend assistance to these individuals both on and off the ice. Regardless of whether it’s 20, 30, 40, 50 games, or any other number, I am committed to supporting them and the Flyers. Whatever they require of me, I will wholeheartedly fulfill.

After being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers from the Buffalo Sabres on March 8, Johnson showcased his skills on the ice. In the 17 games he played last season, he contributed three points, including two goals and one assist, during his total ice time of 16 minutes and 25 seconds. Notably, Johnson had previously clinched the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.

He’s averaged 20:52 of ice time in 987 regular-season games with the Flyers, Sabres, St. Louis Blues and Avalanche, but that number likely will be far lower this season. His biggest contribution likely will be as a mentor for the younger defensemen, including Jamie Drysdale, 22; Cam York, 23; and Egor Zamula, 24.

Johnson said, “I have vivid memories of being significantly impacted by esteemed veterans in St. Louis, such as Keith Tkachuk, Doug Weight, and Paul Kariya. Additionally, during my time in Colorado, I had the privilege of learning from Adam Foote and Milan Hejduk. Although these individuals were nearing the conclusion of their careers, they imparted invaluable wisdom and guidance off the ice, which continues to resonate with me to this day.”

Although I may not be at the peak of my career, I believe I have much to offer. Becoming a professional entails much more than just performing on the ice; it involves various aspects off the ice as well. My purpose here is to demonstrate to these individuals, in any way possible, the dedication and effort required. Many of these players already possess great skills, professionalism, and wise decision-making abilities. Nevertheless, I am here to contribute anything I can to support them.

Johnson’s mentorship extends beyond defensemen, as evidenced by his connection with forward prospect Matvei Michkov. Having experienced the pressures of being a former No. 1 pick himself, Johnson has been in contact with Michkov, who recently signed his entry-level contract with the Flyers after being selected as the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. It’s worth noting that both Johnson and Michkov are represented by the same agents, Pat Brisson and J.P. Barry.

Last season, the offense of the NHL team ranked 27th in scoring, averaging 2.82 goals per game, and had the worst power play percentage at 12.2 percent. The team anticipates the 19-year-old player to take on a significant role as a top-six forward and contribute to the first power-play unit in order to revitalize the offense.

Johnson explained that he has been putting in a lot of effort to communicate with Matvei through Instagram and the translation tool, which has made it quite convenient. His main goal is to make Matvei feel comfortable, so he ensures that he answers any questions he may have. Johnson understands the nerves that come with being a 19-year-old American entering the league, as he experienced it himself in 2007. The whole process of adjusting to a new city, country, language, food, and everything else can be incredibly challenging. There are new rules to learn, a new ice sheet to get used to, and it’s something that Johnson finds difficult to imagine. He acknowledges the extra difficulty that Matvei must be facing, coming from Russia and experiencing a completely new environment.

I am doing everything I can to assist him, including sharing phone numbers. I am available to support him in any way necessary, whether it be helping him adjust to Philadelphia or the NHL. If he needs a ride, recommendations for dining options while traveling, or information about practices, meetings, or the schedule, I am here to provide answers. He can count on me to address any questions he may have, and I am enthusiastic about collaborating with him. With his exceptional talent and potential, it seems like Philadelphia has found a valuable asset for the foreseeable future.