April 19, 2007
Erik Johnson Signs With Blues
CHN Staff Report
Erik Johnson, who enjoyed a standout freshman season for Minnesota after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2006 NHL Draft, has signed with the St. Louis Blues and will forgo the rest of his college career.
Many thought Johnson, 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, would never go to college after being taken No. 1 overall, but he fulfilled a dream to play for Minnesota. He will be introduced by the Blues at a news conference today.
"I talked to Erik today (Wednesday) and he told us he's not going back to the University of Minnesota and I got a big smile on my face," Blues President John Davidson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
According to the Post-Dispatch, the contract will be for three years, with a base salary of $765,000 and an $85,000 signing bonus. The contract will also be loaded with incentives that could bring him anywhere from $2 to $3 million per season.
Johnson, who is expected to play for Team USA at the upcoming World Championships in Moscow, had four goals and 23 points in 39 games with Minnesota this season. The Gophers lost to North Dakota in the NCAA West Regional final last month.
The highlight of Johnson's season, though, might have been the 10 points he scored at the 2007 World Junior Championship, helping Team USA win a bronze medal. He was named the Best Defenseman of the tournament.
Fellow Blues, and fellow former collegians, David Backes and Lee Stempniak will also be on the World Championship team.
