He was a member of the 2007 U20 American team that won a Bronze Medal in the U20 World Championships. Johnson was named to the tournaments All-Star Team and was named the Tournaments Best Defenseman. Johnson finished the tournament with 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points, becoming the first defenseman to lead the tournament in scoring. He attended the University of Minnesota and was signed by the St. Louis Blues on April 20th, 2007.

 

Johnson is one of the few Americans to have been chosen first in the NHL Entry Draft. The previous American to be chosen first overall was goaltender Rick DiPietro in 2000 by the New York Islanders. Mike Modano and Brian Lawton were also top American draft picks in 1988 and 1983 respectively, having both been selected first overall by the Minnesota North Stars. American Patrick Kane followed Johnson the following year going first overall.

 

Erik Johnson scored his first NHL goal on L.A. Kings goalie, Jonathan Bernier on Saturday October 6, 2007. It was also the game winning goal.