Avs Defenseman Erik Johnson Nears Return From Broken Leg

DENVER (AP) – Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson is nearing a return after being sidelined since early December with a broken leg.
Although Johnson won’t play Tuesday against Los Angeles, coach Jared Bednar said the Avalanche’s top defenseman has been going through some of the contact drills in practice and “that’s a positive sign.”
He broke his leg while blocking a shot Dec. 3 against Dallas.
Johnson’s return would bolster a banged-up defense th