Report: Avalanche's Johnson waives no-movement clause

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson has waived his no-movement clause so the team will not have to protect him in the upcoming expansion draft, a source told The Athletic's Peter Baugh.

The 33-year-old's deal still carries a modified no-trade clause, notes Baugh.

Johnson missed almost the entire 2020-21 regular season with a concussion and carries a cap hit of $6 million for the next two seasons, making him an unlikely target for the Seattle Kraken as the league's newest team builds its roster.

Each team - except the Vegas Golden Knights - can protect seven forwards and three defenders or eight skaters regardless of position, along with one goalie. With the Avalanche no longer obligated to prioritize Johnson, Colorado can protect its valuable blue-line trio of Devon Toews, Cale Makar, and Samuel Girard.

Johnson has spent the last 11 seasons with the Avalanche, registering 213 points in 577 games.