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Columbus Blue Jackets News
Severson (lower-body) was placed on IR but is questionable to play in the Devils season opener.

Severson is dealing with a lower-body injury that landed him on IR on Monday but he is eligible to come off and play on Friday. With Severson and Ty Smith both questionable, PK Subban could see additional usage at 5v5 and on PP2.

Damon Severson
Aston-Reese (COVID-19) will not play in the Penguins season opener on Tuesday.

Aston-Reese missed some of the preseason after a positive COVID-19 test in late September and will not be available for the season opener on Tuesday. However, Aston-Reese did travel to Florida and will be re-evaluated ahead of Thursday's game vs. the Panthers.

Zach Aston-Reese
The Avalanche have signed Jack Johnson to a one-year contract.

Johnson didn't play a lot in 2021, registering just one goal in 13 games with the Rangers. This preseason, he was in Avalanche camp on a PTO and earned a one-year deal to be their No.6 defenseman to open the season. With Devon Toews out, Johnson should be a fixture on the blueline in the early part of the season but will likely fall back into a reserve role once Toews is healthy enough to play.

Jack Johnson
The Blue Jackets have signed Elvis Merzlikins to a five-year, $27 million contract extension.

Merzlikins missed some time with injuries in 2021 but the Blue Jackets are committed to him as their No.1 option on Tuesday, signing him to a five-year deal. Merzlikins greatly outperformed Joonas Korpisalo last year, posting a .916 SV% in 28 appearances and has breakout potential for 2022.

Elvis Merzlikins