Johansen joined the Blue Jackets for his first practice of the season on Wednesday morning and he reportedly did not look sharp at certain point of the skate. That is to be expected from a player who missed the entire preseason, but with all the injuries in Columbus right now, it would be surprising to not see Johansen in the lineup. Even a Ryan Johansen at 75% is likely still their top centre right now.
Johansen's status for Thursday's game is up in the air, but after spending Tuesday trying to get from Canada to Columbus, his presence on the ice is a positive sign for his availability tomorrow. There will be a ton of pressure on Johansen in the early part of the season, because of the contract dispute and the injuries Columbus is already dealing with.
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."
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.
Johansen and Prout are expected to arrive in Springfield prior to today’s Game Two of the Calder Cup Playoffs series between the Falcons and Manchester Monarchs.
Johansen projects to be a big part of Columbus' future but for now he's been relegated to third line duty.
With all the injuries to the Blue Jackets, Johansen has been recalled. He struggled at the start of the season only recording 2 A in 10 games. He had 33 PTS in 40 games including a +11 in the AHL so the talent is there, he just needs to translate it to the NHL.
Johansen was playing pretty good minutes for a young player (15:11 AVG) but only registered 2 assists in the Blue Jackets first 10 games and was a -5. He will go down to the AHL for more development.
After the Blue Jackets cut Tim Erixon and Boone Jenner, it was made apperent that Johansen had made the team. Johansen could be CBJ's #1 center this season which opens the door for him to have solid season. Keep an eye on the 20 year-old.
Johansen sticking in the lineup is a good sign for the rookie. Through 55 games, he has nine goals and 18 points.
Johansen finally gets back into the lineup. Through 51 games, he scored nine goals and 17 points.
Johansen is a healthy scratch for tonight's game. Through 51 games, he scored nine goals and 17 points.
Johansen gets a bump up to the top PP unit with Antoine Vermette now in Phoenix. Four of the rookie's 17 points have come with the man advantage.
Johansen takes another seat in the press box. He has nine goals and 17 points in his first 45 NHL games.
Johansen takes another seat in the press box. He has nine goals and 17 points in his first 45 NHL games.
Johansen is once again a healthy scratch as he continues his growing pains. Through 43 games, he has nine goals and 17 points.
Johansen is once again a healthy scratch as he continues his growing pains. Through 43 games, he has nine goals and 17 points.
Johansen is once again a healthy scratch as he continues his growing pains. Through 43 games, he has nine goals and 17 points.
Johansen is out with the flu but likely would be a scratch as he continues his growing pains. Through 43 games, he has nine goals and 17 points.
Johansen draws back into the lineup after being a healthy scratch yesterday. He has eight goals and 16 points through 41 games.
