Buffalo Sabres defenseman Erik Johnson was held out of the lineup last night versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. Johnson signed with the Sabres this past July, but more than likely looks like he is having a one-and-done season with Buffalo.
Johnson is on the trade block and was held out for that reason on Wednesday. Last night was just one of the last few games he has missed as he just got over being sick. It seems like Erik is being held out because he could very well be getting traded.
The Sabres defenseman has performed well on the penalty kill for Buffalo this season, he’s averaging 14 minutes a night with Buffalo when healthy. Head coach Dan Granato looked back on Johnson’s season after he was scratched before the game.
When he signed with the Sabres back in July, it was to help add depth and leadership to the locker room. Buffalo is the youngest team in the NHL and they needed more leadership along with captain Kyle Okposo. Even though Johnson wasn't a home run signing, it shouldn't be a shock with his age.
The 35-year-old was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2007 and has played with the Blues and the Colorado Avalanche before signing with Buffalo this offseason. He is a part of a busy week for the Sabres. They traded Casey Mittelstadt before Wednesday’s game and have been receiving calls for Johnson, Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons.
Buffalo entered last weekend on a 5-1 streak but lost to Winnipeg on Sunday giving up four goals in the 3rd period. It seems that may have been the catalyst for general manager Kevyn Adams. The Mittelstadt trade and possibly trading Johnson could be the next trade for Adams as looks to retool.
Buffalo will take on the Nashville Predators tonight and then will come home to take on the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon.