March 6, 2007
Johnson Intends to Leave Gophers
CHN Staff Report
Erik Johnson doesn't intend to return to Minnesota next season, he said to ESPN's John Buccigross this week.
In a statement that should come as no surprise to Gophers fans, Johnson said, "Let me first start off by saying that I think it was a great choice to come to Minnesota this year. It was a great steppingstone. But next year, I really think I need to make the jump in competition in order to keep developing the way I want to."
Johnson was the first overall pick of the 2006 NHL Draft, by the St. Louis Blues. He has three goals and 20 points in 34 games this season.
Johnson went on to say that he was frustrated by the way he was used by Minnesota's coaching staff this season, but that a final decision hasn't been made yet.
"I think here at Minnesota, I could have been used more effectively in the system, so that has been frustrating," Johnson told Buccigross. "But, overall, it has been a fun time and I have really enjoyed my time here and I desperately want to win a national title. Next year will be decided after the season, though."
The Gophers had been the NCAA frontrunner most of the season, but have been up-and-down since January.
"We need to play a full 60 minutes and have no letdowns. That has kind of been our problem this year. We have given up a lead too many times and it just kills us when we do that," Johnson said.
"We need to be gritty, tough and get pucks and bodies to the net. We are a very skilled team, but we need to constantly have that junk yard-dog mentality.
