Philadelphia Flyers acquire defenceman Erik Johnson from Buffalo Sabres

The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired right-shot veteran defenceman Erik Johnson from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Johnson, 35, is a pending unrestricted free agent playing on a one-year, $3.5-million contract he signed with the Buffalo Sabres last offseason. A veteran of 17 seasons, Johnson has contributed three points, all goals, in his 50 games with the Sabres, though he's struggled territorially.

Erik Johnson, acquired by PHI, is a veteran depth defenceman. Big fan of carrying the puck out of the defensive zone and then dumping it into the offensive zone. #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/jCGf2wpOez

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 8, 2024

The Flyers, who remain in a playoff spot as of this writing, had an opening on their right side as of Wednesday after they dealt Sean Walker to the Colorado Avalanche, and one imagines that Johnson will be part of their plan to replace that loss. At least in the short term.

Buffalo, meanwhile, adds another draft pick to their collection of futures, as they sell off veterans for yet another deadline amid a lost season.