Erik Johnson is approaching 100 percent after missing the final 34 games of the regular with a knee injury and will be ready for the start of next season Mike Chambers of The Denver Post reports.

Johnson is approaching 100 percent after missing the final 34 games of the regular season with a knee injury and will be ready for the start of next season, Mike Chambers of The Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

Johnson underwent a knee scope on Jan. 26 and was expected to only miss three-to-eight weeks, but an extended recovery and the Avs' inability to obtain a playoff spot forced Johnson to miss the remainder of the season. The defenseman had embraced his added responsibilities this season and was on pace for a stellar campaign, with 12 goals and 11 assists through 47 games. He even earned a selection to the NHL All-Star Game before going down with the injury. Despite the disappointing end to the season, Johnson is right around the corner from a full recovery and will be ready for the start of next season.