Philadelphia Flyers News

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 sent Rasmus Ristolainen back to Rochester (AHL).

Ristolainen played in five games during his call-up. He was a minus-5 with 12 shots but failed to register a point. He will return to Rochester because Tyler Myers is ready to return to the lineup. Myers has 18 points (6G / 12A) in 30 AHL games.

Rasmus Ristolainen
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
Johnson left Tuesday's game with a back ailment and did not return.

Johnson played just 12:45 before retiring to the dressing room for the night. Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy said that he "hopes that [Johnson] is day-to-day. We will provide an update as soon as there is word from the Avs medical staff.

Erik Johnson
Coach Ted Nolan says Sabres will give defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen the go-ahead to play for Finland in the World Juniors.

Ristolainen suffered a concussion after being sucker-punched in the AHL, but he will likely play for Finland in the World Juniors. The 8th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft recorded one goal in 19 games with the Sabres. He has recorded two goals and two assists in five games since being sent to Rochester (AHL).

Rasmus Ristolainen
The Sabres reassigned Rasmus Ristolainen to Rochester (AHL).

Ristolainen was the eighth overall pick in this year's NHL Draft, but will head to Rochester for seasoning. The Sabres don't appear to be a playoff team so allowing their young talent to develop in Rochester is a logical move for the Sabres future. Ristolainen is known more for his defence than his offence, he had one goal in 19 games.

Rasmus Ristolainen
No Erik Johnson at practice today. That bruised foot he suffered in Wednesday’s practice proved too much to get on the ice.

Tyson Barrie looks like he’ll get the call to replace Johnson in the lineup tomorrow against Carolina, if Johnson can’t play. He is getting time on the power-play unit and has been paired opposite Jan Hejda in practice.

Erik Johnson
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