Bob McKenzie: The Blue Jackets and Ryan Johanson agree to a three-year, $12 million deal. He’ll get $3 million in the first two-years and $6 million in the last. Johansen will need to be qualified at $6 million at the end of the third year.
Pierre LeBrun: Johansen will have one-year left of restricted free agency when the deal is done. If they go to arbitration, it can only be for one year. The Blue Jackets felt that he’d get the $6 million if they went to arbitration after a two-year bridge deal.
Steve Zipay: Anthony Duclair’s agent said he’ll start the season with the Rangers, but he could be sent back to junior at some point.
Chris Johnston: Maple Leafs prospect Viktor Loov hasn’t been granted his release from MODO yet and they would like to have him back.
Andy Strickland: The Blues hope to have Carl Gunnarsson back in the lineup for their third game of the season.
Ansar Khan: Tomas Tatar and Pavel Datsyuk are skating today. Datsyuk is not wearing a no-contact jersey. Datsyuk said he needs contract drills before returning to the lineup. No timetable is set, and may not be ready for Thursday.
Ken Warren: The Senators put Marc Methot on the IR.
Dave Stubbs: The Canadiens have released Francis Bouillon from his PTO.
Stephen Whyno: The Maple Leafs put Colton Orr, Frazer McLaren and Korbinian Holzer on waivers. William Nylander has been reassigned.
Hope Smoke: Islanders GM Garth Snow: “We obviously gave up significant assets for Boychuk. We don’t plan on moving him. We’ll do everything we can to sign him.”
