Sabres D-Man Erik Johnson Reveals His Thoughts On Potential Trade

The Buffalo Sabres brought in Erik Johnson this season to be a veteran leader, a mentor to the rising stars on the blueline, and generally a stabilizing force on a young roster, and hopefully help galvanize them into a playoff team. 

The Sabres, however, will most likely not be participating in the postseason, and Johnson, the classy leader that he is, took some of the blame, while realizing the situation he's in now as we approach the trade deadline. 

"I've never been in this situation before…..at the deadline. So there is a little bit of anxiousness, uncertainty, and doubt. I'm disappointed that we are where we are and I take some responsibility for that. I don't think I've really helped these guys enough," Johnson said, per Michael Augello of The Hockey News.

And with that, the 35-year-old pending UFA says he's ready to be moved if that's what Sabres GM Kevyn Adams thinks is best.

If Kevyn comes to me, and that's what he wants to do, and it's for the best of the team, then I'll go for it and get moved. Right now, I'm just taking it day by day, focusing on the team and the guys and just coming in and working hard and helping them anyway can and when that time comes, we'll talk about it.

Johnson is the former No. 1 overall selection (2006), and is unsure at this point, what his plans are beyond this, his 16th season. 

In 14 minutes a night this season, he has three points in 49 games while handing out 91 hits. 

Photo: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports