Avs' Johnson tested positive for COVID-19, expected back Saturday

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson recently tested positive for COVID-19, head coach Jared Bednar revealed Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Peter Baugh.

Johnson is nearing the end of his quarantine, Bednar added.

The veteran rearguard will be able to join the team Saturday if all goes well, the bench boss said, according to The Associated Press' Patrick Graham.

Johnson missed most of training camp and was deemed "unfit to play."

The 32-year-old ranked third on the Avalanche in average ice time last season, though he was limited to 59 games due to injury. He played nine playoff contests in 2019-20, but appeared in only one of Colorado's seven games against the Dallas Stars in the second round.