Avalanche's Johnson, Lindholm out indefinitely

Colorado Avalanche defensemen Erik Johnson and Anton Lindholm are both out indefinitely with upper-body injuries, the team announced.

Johnson, arguably the team's top blue-liner, leads the Avalanche in time on ice and ranks second in hits (103) and blocked shots (117). The former No. 1 overall pick by the Blues in 2006 has also chipped in offensively with 22 points.

Lindholm has been used in a more limited role. In 43 games, he's collected three points while averaging 13:26 of time on ice.

The Avalanche are three points out of a playoff spot, so any significant time missed by their top minute-logger on the back end would provide a serious blow to their postseason aspirations.