Avs sign Erik Johnson to 4-year deal

Top-scoring defenseman Erik Johnson is staying with the Colorado Avalanche.

The team announced Tuesday that it signed the 24-year-old restricted free agent to a four-year contract. The terms weren't released.

Johnson led all Avalanche defensemen last season with 26 points in 73 games.

The Bloomington, Minn., native won a silver medal while playing with the U.S. team at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

He was drafted No. 1 overall by Saint Louis in the 2006 NHL entry draft. Colorado acquired him from Saint Louis in a trade in 2011.