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Philadelphia Flyers News
Johansen expects to play in the Blue Jackets' season opener on Thursday.

Johansen is currently in Toronto waiting to be cleared by immigration on both sides of the border before he can travel to Columbus. Johansen is expected to be in Columbus today for a physical and on the ice for Wednesday's practice and in uniform on Thursday night vs. the Sabres. "I feel good. I feel close (to game shape)," Johansen said. "I haven’t had any preseason games, so that's a challenge. My two linemates (forwards Boone Jenner and Nathan Horton) are hurt. That’ll be one of the biggest thing, being thrown in with two new guys."

Ryan Johansen
The Blue Jackets have agreed to terms with RFA Ryan Johansen on a three-year, $12 million deal.

The lengthy contract dispute is finally over and it is a good thing for the Blue Jackets, who looked like they would be without their entire top-line to start the season. Johansen and the Blue Jackets were significantly apart on the dollar value, but were able to get a deal done before the start of the 2014-15 campaign. Johansen had his coming out party last year when he scored 33 goals and 30 assists (63 points) in 82 games. Expect another 30-30 season from the 22 year old.

Ryan Johansen
The Predators have signed Ryan Ellis to a five-year, $12.5 million dollar deal.

Ellis, 23, had six goals and 21 assists (27 points) in 80 games last season. He was drafted 11th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft and has tremendous offensive upside. Ellis is undersized, but will be a key member of the Predators power-play for years to come.

Ryan Ellis
The Sabres have reassigned Nicolas Deslauriers to Rochester (AHL).

Deslauriers averaged 13:10 TOI and scored one goal with a minus-9 rating in 16 games with the Sabres. He heads back to the AHL where he had 39 points (18G / 21A) in 60 games with Manchester. He has not suited up for the Rochester Americans after being acquired at the deadline from L.A.

Nicolas Deslauriers
Johnson is questionable for Thursday due to flu-like symptoms.

Johnson missed the game-day skate this morning and will be a game-time decision for the Avalanche tonight. Johnson has really picked up his play as of late, so his absence would be greatly felt on the Avs' blueline. Nate Guenin would slide into the lineup if Johnson is unable to go.

Erik Johnson
The Sabres have recalled Nicolas Deslauriers from Rocheser (AHL) on an emergency basis.

Deslauriers was acquired by the Sabres on Wednesday and could make his NHL debut tonight in Florida. Deslauriers has been recalled because Chris Stewart and Zemgus Girgensons were injured on Thursday and are unavailable for Friday's game. He had 18 goals and 21 assists (39 points) in 60 games with Manchester (AHL) before the trade.

Nicolas Deslauriers
The Kings have traded prospects Hudson Fasching and Nicolas Deslauriers to the Sabres for Brayden McNabb, Jonathan Parker and two second round picks.

Deslauriers, 23, was a third-round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He is a 6-foot, 230 lbs. defenseman who has 18 goals and 21 assists (39 points) in 60 games with Manchester (AHL) this season. He has yet to make his NHL debut.

Nicolas Deslauriers
Johnson will not play on Wednesday or Friday because of a two-game suspension.

Johnson was suspended for slashing New York Islanders forward Frans Nielsen during the Avs contest on Saturday, February 8. The incident occurred at 12:09 of the third period. Johnson was assessed a minor penalty for slashing. The slash resulted in a broken hand for Nielsen. Ryan Wilson will slide into the lineup for Johnson.

Erik Johnson
Johnson (undisclosed) was not on the ice for the Avalanche morning skate, he will be a gamete decision.

If Johnson is unable to play, Karl Stollery will enter the lineup. Johnson has not recorded a point in his last five games, but has 20 points (7G / 13A) with a plus-13 rating in 48 games this season. Monitor his status during pre-game warmups.

Erik Johnson