Erik Robert Johnson (born March 21, 1988) is an American ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed the Condor, Johnson formerly played for the St. Louis Blues, with whom he began his NHL career. Additionally, he has represented the United States in numerous tournaments. Johnson, the first overall pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, was drafted by the Blues from USA Hockey's National Team Development Program and played one season at the University of Minnesota before joining the NHL with St. Louis in 2007–08.