Former Avalanche Defenseman Erik Johnson Sets New Course as Content Writer After Retirement

erik Johnson Embarks on Second Act: From Stanley Cup Champion to Broadcaster, Scout, and Beyond

DENVER, CO – After a stellar 17-season NHL career culminating in a 2022 Stanley Cup victory with the Colorado Avalanche, Erik Johnson has officially announced his retirement and unveiled a diverse plan for his future. The beloved defenseman, affectionately known as “EJ” and “The Condor,” will remain a prominent figure in the Colorado sports landscape and beyond.

Johnson’s immediate plans include a role as an analyst for Altitude Sports, providing commentary on University of denver and Air Force games, and also studio work for Avalanche broadcasts. He’ll also lend his expertise to the Philadelphia Flyers as a scout, leveraging his strong relationship with GM Daniel Briere. A further, currently undisclosed venture is also in the works.

“I’m going to kind of try and do a few different things this year and see what I like,” Johnson shared at a press conference Monday. “That’s kind of where I’m at, not going to try and overwhelm myself. I’m going to try and do things that I haven’t been able to do this time of year in the past, and do that as well.”

Throughout his career, Johnson evolved from an offensive-minded defenseman to a defensively focused player, prioritizing team success over individual accolades. “Always remember, even though something may not be the best for you as an individual, it’s what’s best for the team that matters most,” he emphasized, a ideology that contributed to the Avalanche’s championship run.

Selected as the No.1 overall pick in his draft class, Johnson acknowledged the pressure that came with such expectations. avalanche GM Chris MacFarland refuted the idea that Johnson diminished as a player on stronger teams, but the core message of adaptation and selflessness resonated throughout his remarks.

Teammates lauded Johnson’s growth as a teammate and mentor. Captain Gabe Landeskog confidently stated, “The one thing about EJ… he’s going to be successful no matter what he decides to do in the future.”

Beyond hockey,Johnson plans to dedicate more time to family events he frequently enough missed during his playing days and continue his passion for horse racing as a hobby. He and his family will remain in Colorado, a city he considers a second home.

Elsewhere in Avalanche News: Rookie Gavin Brindley, celebrating his 21st birthday Sunday, has secured a spot on the opening-night roster and is expected to play in Tuesday’s game.

How does Erik Johnson’s experience with strategic thinking in hockey translate to his approach to content strategy?

From the Blue Line to the Blank Page: A New Chapter for EJ

Erik Johnson, the veteran defenseman who spent over a decade patrolling the blue line for the Colorado Avalanche (and previously the St. Louis Blues, Florida Panthers, and calgary Flames), officially announced his retirement from professional hockey in September 2024. But this isn’t a story of an athlete fading into quiet retirement. Rather, Johnson is embarking on a surprisingly dynamic second act: a career as a content writer. This transition, while seemingly unconventional, highlights a growing trend of athletes leveraging transferable skills and pursuing passions beyond the rink.

The Skills That Translate: Hockey & Content Creation

Manny assume the skills honed on the ice – physicality, speed, and strategic thinking – don’t translate to the world of writing. Though, a closer look reveals a strong overlap.

* Discipline & Work Ethic: elite athletes are renowned for their dedication and rigorous training schedules. This discipline is crucial for meeting deadlines and consistently producing high-quality content.

* Strategic Thinking: Analyzing plays, anticipating opponents’ moves, and making split-second decisions are all forms of strategic thinking. These skills are directly applicable to content strategy, audience analysis, and crafting compelling narratives.

* Teamwork & Communication: Hockey is a team sport demanding clear communication and collaboration. Content creation,especially within a marketing team,requires similar skills.

* Resilience & Adaptability: Facing setbacks and adapting to changing game situations builds resilience.This is invaluable in the frequently enough-critical world of content creation and SEO.

johnson himself has spoken about the parallels, noting the need for meticulous planning, constant learning, and the ability to perform under pressure – all hallmarks of both professional hockey and effective writing. He’s currently focusing on sports journalism and long-form articles, initially contributing to smaller online publications before aiming for larger platforms.

Johnson’s Content Focus: Sports, Lifestyle, and Beyond

While his initial work naturally gravitates towards hockey – offering unique insights into the game from a player’s perspective – Johnson’s interests extend beyond the sport. he’s expressed a desire to explore topics like:

* Athlete Mental Health: A crucial and often overlooked aspect of professional sports. Johnson has been a vocal advocate for mental wellness throughout his career.

* Enduring Living: Johnson is a known outdoors enthusiast and is passionate about environmental conservation.

* Travel & Adventure: Leveraging his experiences traveling the world as a professional athlete.

* Colorado Lifestyle: Reflecting his long-time connection to the denver area and the surrounding mountains.

This diverse range of interests positions him well to appeal to a broad audience and establish himself as a versatile content creator. His unique perspective as a former professional athlete provides a compelling angle for any topic he tackles.

The Rise of Athlete-Turned-content Creators

Erik Johnson isn’t alone in this transition. Several former athletes are finding success in the content creation space:

* Channing Frye (NBA): Known for his insightful basketball analysis and engaging podcast, “Road Trippin’.”

* Draymond Green (NBA): A prolific podcaster and media personality, offering unfiltered opinions on basketball and current events.

* Michael Strahan (NFL): A triumphant television personality and media mogul.

This trend is fueled by several factors:

1. Transferable Skills: As outlined above, athletes possess a unique skillset valuable in content creation.
2. Existing Platform: Many athletes have established social media followings, providing a built-in audience.
3. Demand for Authentic Voices: Audiences crave authentic perspectives, and athletes offer a unique insider’s view.
4. financial Opportunities: The content creation industry offers lucrative opportunities for those who can build a strong brand and engage an audience.

SEO Considerations for athlete content

For athletes transitioning into content creation, understanding SEO is paramount. Here are key strategies:

* Keyword Research: identifying relevant keywords related to their sport, interests, and target audience. (e.g., “NHL analysis,” “hockey training tips,” “athlete mental health”).

* Long-Tail Keywords: Targeting specific,niche queries (e.g., “best hockey stick for slap shot,” “managing anxiety as a professional athlete”).

* Content Optimization: Using keywords naturally within headlines, body text, and image alt tags.

* Link Building: Earning backlinks from reputable websites to increase domain authority.

* Social Media Promotion: Leveraging social media to drive traffic to content.

* Utilizing LSI Keywords: Incorporating semantically related terms to broaden search reach (e.g., alongside “hockey,” use “NHL,” “ice time,” “power play,” “defenseman”).

Johnson’s Early Content Examples & Initial Reception

While still early in his writing career, Johnson has already published several pieces on platforms like The Hockey News and a regional Colorado sports blog. Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with readers praising his insightful analysis and authentic voice. his article on the challenges of dealing with injuries as a professional athlete garnered meaningful attention, resonating with both players and fans. He’s also begun experimenting with video content on YouTube, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into his writing process and sharing