DENVER — Longtime Boston teammates Charlie Coyle and Brandon Carlo found themselves on a plane to Colorado, reflecting on their unexpected new paths in the NHL. Both were traded just before the deadline on Friday. Coyle landed with the Colorado Avalanche, while Carlo moved on to join the Toronto Maple Leafs. Their very first games in their new jerseys saw them face off against one another on Saturday night.
Similarly, former Philadelphia players Scott Laughton and Erik Johnson shared their journey to Denver. Laughton was traded to Toronto on the same day Johnson returned to the Avalanche. “Funny how it works,” Coyle remarked on competing against a former teammate. One day you’re close friends, and the next, you’re adversaries on the rink.
Before departing, Carlo gave Coyle some insider tips on Colorado’s everyday life, a place he knows well, having grown up in Colorado Springs. Excitement fills the air as his father was expected to be in the stands, while his mother readied to head to Boston to assist Carlo’s wife with their children. “A lot of emotion involved,” Carlo noted, meeting his new teammates and feeling more at ease due to the welcoming team culture in Toronto.
Laughton spoke of his trade to the Maple Leafs as an emotional milestone and a significant adjustment, bringing him much closer to home in Oakville, Ontario, just a short drive from Toronto. “I grew up in Philly, and have a lot of great friendships with the staff and everyone there,” Laughton shared. The proximity to his family gives him a comforting sense of familiarity amidst the transition.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s move back to Colorado was a homecoming after 13 years with the Avalanche, where he played a vital role in their 2022 Stanley Cup triumph. “I didn’t want to go to sleep last night because I thought I was going to wake up, and it wouldn’t be true,” Johnson humorously confessed. Despite being a healthy scratch in his first game back, he expressed eagerness to contribute in any capacity. Whether it’s guide the young defensemen or bring veteran leadership, Johnson is ready to assist at the rink or, as he joked, even shovel snow between periods.
Though Johnson has seen limited ice time this season due to Philadelphia relying on younger players, his return to Colorado is driven by more than nostalgia. “I’m not here to retire,” he stated firmly, with his eyes set on capturing another Stanley Cup alongside fellow Avalanche leaders. The seasoned defenseman is determined to offer his experience and positivity as he dons the familiar No. 6 once again.
In the locker room, Johnson plans to support the team with both his performance and his personality. “I try and have a smile on my face every day. Goof around. I’m serious when I need to be, but have fun when needed as well,” he said. As the newcomers settle in with their respective teams, their shared history will continue to influence their future in the league.
