February 9, 2024 | 11:04am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

JOHNSON NOT ASKING TO BE TRADED

Erik Johnson, defenceman

Veteran defenceman Erik Johnson’s name has started to make the rounds in the trade market, but the 35-year-old is not asking the Buffalo Sabres to move him.

Speaking to the Buffalo News this week, Johnson admitted that his preference is to stay in Buffalo, but understandings options may be presented between now and the March 8 trade deadline.

“I don’t pay attention to rumors or social media during the season. I just tune it all out and focus on playing,” Johnson told the paper. “I assumed where we’re at (in the standings) my name would be out there, just with my experience. But really, my focus is here, and I don’t want to leave. I don’t really want to abandon the guys midseason. I care about these guys.”

Several teams are looking to upgrade their blueline and bolster their defensive corps and Johnson’s experience holds a lot of weight for Stanley Cup contenders.

Armed with a $3.25 million salary cap hit, Johnson would be a pricey addition for any team and the Sabres would likely need to retain up to half of his contract to help facilitate a trade. Still, Johnson’s preference is to stick around.

“I’ve seen a lot of growth throughout a lot of the guys not only on the ice, but off the ice. And I think I kind of have that ‘big brother’ responsibility to a lot of them,” Johnson said. “I’m not going to (Sabres GM) Kevyn Adams asking to get moved. I’m sure he’ll come to me if there’s anything that pops up and then I’ll have to make a decision. But my focus is on the guys. I really care about the success of the team and the players. And I’m not looking outside right now.”

Johnson has three goals and 24 penalty minutes in 42 games with the Sabres so far this season.