Johnson was a healthy scratch for Tuesday's loss to the Devils.
The Avalanche called up Sam Malinski on Monday to join them on a post-break road trip. He didn't play in a loss to the Rangers on Monday but he was in the lineup against New Jersey. Rotating Johnson and Malinski appears to be the plan down the stretch, per Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now. The 6-foot-1, 227-pound Johnson is expected to play against the heavier teams. When the Avs aren't expecting a physical game, Malinski may get the call.