Life as an NHL player is all about numbers and statistics. A noteworthy one that not every player is blessed to reach is the 1,000th career game.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson, 36, is celebrating this milestone in style. His 1,000th game is on Saturday, November 16, 2024, as the Flyers host the Buffalo Sabres. It is a milestone Johnson was not sure he would reach, dealing with injuries throughout his career. In fact, before Johnson, only 402 NHL players have done it.
🔥 Mr. 1000. 🔥#LetsGoFlyers | @6ErikJohnson pic.twitter.com/bHLymblADW
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 16, 2024
Johnson showed up at Wells Fargo Arena in a custom suit with “EJ 1000” and “Go Flyers” inscribed inside. His teammates are also wearing t-shirts to celebrate his achievement.
The fellas are ready to celebrate Erik Johnson’s milestone! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vXqbQYiAL7
— NHL (@NHL) November 16, 2024
Erik Johnson’s Long And Windy Road
Erik Johnson was the first overall pick by the St. Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL entry draft.
In his 17-year NHL career, he has played for the Flyers, Blues, and Sabres. However, he is best known for his 13-year stint with the Colorado Avalanche. Johnson was a member of the 2022 Stanley Cup Champion Colorado team.
truly overjoyed that erik johnson will hit 1000 games tonight, and his ceremony will be when the flyers play the Avs. he’s an amazing player and, by all accounts, a fantastic teammate. he deserves this and i’m so happy for him as a fan pic.twitter.com/xuKGPxOGhu
— fourth overall pick (@fourthoverall) November 16, 2024
So far this season, he has played in 12 games for the Flyers, scoring one goal.
Some have speculated that Johnson could be traded this season. His contract is a one-year deal worth $1 million making him a 2025 free agent.
The Flyers Celebrate Erik Johnson
In the meantime, the Philadelphia Flyers are making it a priority to celebrate Johnson’s achievement. He had a solo lap on the ice before Saturday night’s puck drop.
Solo lap for Erik Johnson’s 1,000th NHL game pic.twitter.com/JFf1jUEQf0
— Haley Taylor Simon (@Haleytsimon) November 16, 2024
Erik Johnson being recognized for his 1,000th game milestone pic.twitter.com/KHmWRqHAsT
— Haley Taylor Simon (@Haleytsimon) November 17, 2024
The celebration is just beginning. Johnson told reporters that his 1,000 game milestone will be appropriately and officially be celebrated before the Flyers game on Monday, November 18, 2024 against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche.
The Flyers are trying to get a win on Johnson’s big night. They lead the Sabres 2-0 at the end of the first period.
