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Erik Johnson Ruined St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup Chances

By Andrew Martin|

Erik Johnson hitting stride for the Blues? Picture provided by Brei Bird Photography

St. Louis Blues No. 1 Pick: A New Hope

Building through the draft. That is a game-plan that the many teams across all sports in the United States try to strike gold with in the midst of poor seasons.

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The same can be said for the St. Louis Blues. In 2006, the Blues won the lottery and gained the no. 1 overall draft pick in the NHL Entry Draft.

The Note selected defenseman, Erik Johnson, an American from Minnesota with that selection. When a team has that unique opportunity to select a player no. 1 overall, it means they will be making that player the face of the future, and the face of the organization.

Unfortunately, this does not always pan out. The Blues traded Johnson to the Colorado Avalanche in 2011 and the only true gain from the trade was Kevin Shattenkirk. The Blues also shipped off Jay McClement and their 2011 no. 1 draft choice for Shattenkirk, Chris Stewart, and a 2nd round pick from the Avs. Shatty is a key member of the Blues to this day as a top defender and scorer. But, even he is not immune to being dealt, as Bleedin’ Blue reported earlier this week.

NHL No. 1 Overall Picks 2004-2008

It is quite depressing, to say the least, to look at the no. 1 overall draft selections around the Blues’ selection in 2006.

The 2004 selection was none other than Alexander Ovechkin, followed by Sidney Crosby, Erik Johnson, Patrick Kane, and Steven Stamkos.

Just think about it. If the St. Louis Blues had struck gold just one year sooner, they cold be anchored to this day by Sidney Crosby. Instead, the Pittsburgh Penguins remained in Pittsburgh, and the Blues gained the services of one-time Olympian, Erik Johnson. Kane has gone on to win Stanley Cups as well as terrorize the Blues in many rivalry matchups.

Erik Johnson’s St. Louis Blues Stats

Johnson’s St. Louis Blues career stat line consisted of 203 games played, 20 goals, 71 assists, and a -16 rating. These statistics were over a 3 year period, and they failed to live up to the hype of a no. 1 overall pick. While Crosby was setting records in Pittsburgh, and rewriting the legacy of the Pittsburgh Penguins, our own Erik Johnson was making headlines of his own.

In September of 2008, Johnson tore 2 knee ligaments on the links. I can remember getting the ESPN text alert notifying me of the injury, and still recall the disappointment. Johnson was to be the focal point of a Blues defense and even attack going into the 2008 campaign. Instead, he fell out of a golf cart and tore his knee to the point of being doubtful to play at all that season.

The Future Erik Johnson

Johnson could have lead the resurgence of the St. Louis Blues. He was selected to do just that, but due to a lack of inspiring play, and bone-headed decisions on his own part, that dream never became reality. Johnson totaled 12 goals, 11 assists, and a +2 rating last year for the Avs, hardly showing his no. 1 pick potential.

That being said, I fully hope for the best with Johnson. He was a promising American talent with his 6’4 frame and quick shot. He will have more opportunities in the NHL as he is only 27-years-old.

The Blues have their work cut out for them to make it to the Stanley Cup finals this season. It would be much easier with an Ovechkin or Crosby on the roster, but this is hockey. The best players don’t always bring the titles. The Blues have a much more formidable team these days lead by Vladimir Tarasenko and co., but losing out on a no. 1 pick set the team back in their development and in turn extended the rebuilding process.

Next: Blues Contracts: The Good, Bad and Ugly

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