When defenseman Erik Johnson was first traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Colorado Avalanche last February, his initial reaction was more shock than awe.
"If you think that trade shocked the hockey world, think how the players felt," Johnson recalled, laughing. "Intensify that by about 50 times."
Johnson had arrived home to St. Louis after a road game in Buffalo when he was told he had been dealt, along with Jay McClement and a first round pick, for Kevin Shattenkirk and Chris Stewart and a second-round pick. It was the kind of blockbuster deal that was more befitting the 1950s than 2011.
"Walking off the plane, (I was told) you're going to Colorado tomorrow," Johnson recalled. "Here's your ticket, thanks for coming."
But it didn't take long for the shock to be replaced by awe as he started to realize how badly the Avalanche wanted him.
"It has given me a lot of confidence," Johnson said. "And that's something that I kind of lost in St. Louis. I immediately got to Colorado and I was playing almost 30 minutes per game, and when I was in St. Louis I wasn't sure whether I was going to play 16 or 25."
After the trade, Johnson found himself with more duties, increased ice time and more freedom to explore his talent.
"They just let me go out and play the way I play," Johnson said. "It gave me confidence that they had faith in me to do what I do."
At 23, Johnson seems primed to play at a higher level, probably producing more than the 29 points he posted last season. When he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2006, he was viewed as a player with 50-plus point potential.
"I want to be a guy who is counted on in all situations," Johnson said. "I want to be out there to start the game and I want to be out there to finish the game. I want to be that guy you count if you are up 3-2 with a minute left or down 3-2 with a minute left. … I want to be known as a great two-way defenseman."
Today Johnson looks at last February's trade as a major boost for his career. "In the long run this will be best for my career," Johnson said. "I'm excited about being here. It's a great young team in Colorado."
Here are other defensemen to watch this season for increased production in 2011-12:
•Mark Streit (New York Islanders): Considering that Streit missed all of last season with injury, his ability to play again is akin to the Islanders landing a major free agent over the summer. At 34, Streit is capable of registering 50 to 60 points.
"Mark, in my opinion, is one of the top 10 defensemen in the game and in the world," said Islanders center John Tavares. "He may not get the recognition he deserves, but he anchors our back end."
•Brian Campbell (Florida Panthers): In Chicago, Campbell took a backseat to Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. His role will be expanded in Florida, meaning he could be back closer to 50 points. He had 27 in 65 games for Chicago last season.
•Ian White (Detroit Red Wings): Replacing Brian Rafalski on Detroit's blue line, White could come close to doubling the 26 points he had last season. White, 27, can move the puck in Rafalski-like fashion.
•Mike Green (Washington Capitals): Because Green was frequently injured last season and played only 49 games, it's easy to forget that he was a Norris Trophy candidate in 2008-09 when he scored 31 goals. If the Capitals' offense re-ignites this season, Green could easily be up in the 60-point range. He had only 24 last season.
•Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis Blues): He's only 21, and he had 11 goals and 43 points last season. He's older, wiser and the team should be improved. He should be a bigger difference-maker this season.
•Kevin Shattenkirk (St. Louis Blues): With 43 points as a rookie last season, Shattenkirk could be headed for a 50-point season in 2011-12.
•Zach Bogosian (Winnipeg Jets): Perhaps a change of venue might provide the push that Bogosian needed to take the next stage in development. He's only 21, and he has enough talent to generate more than the 17 points he produced last season.
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