Minnesota Wild News

And he did. In addition to his goal, Johansson assisted on a goal by linemate Troy Brouwer, drew a penalty with an inside-out move in the first period and made a perfect centering pass to Brouwer that resulted in another Tampa penalty.

Johansson's benching was an attempt to wake up the sophomore center. The recently-turned 21-year-old certainly proved himself worthy of a scoring-line role.

Marcus Johansson
Certainly appears that Marcus Johansson is healthy scratch tonight for #Caps.

After centering Alex Ovechkin most of the preseason, Johansson is beaten out of a job by Matthieu Perreault. Last season he scored 13 goals and 27 points last season, moving between the first and third line pivot. He should at least climb to the 40-point level this season.

Marcus Johansson
“I think he wants to change something to get something to happen,” Johansson said. “He wants to try something new. He's the coach, so he decides.”

Doesn't sound like Johansson has fallen completely out of favor. Last season he scored 13 goals and 27 points last season, moving between the first and third line pivot. He should at least climb to the 40-point level this season.

Marcus Johansson
As recently as Sunday evening against the Blackhawks, Johansson was replaced on the top line at times by Perreault.“He was creating things, and Marcus hadn't to that point,"

Johansson failed to produce on the top line so coach Bruce Boudreau will attempt to jumpstart his second generation center. Last season he scored 13 goals and 27 points last season, moving between the first and third line pivot. He should at least climb to the 40-point level this season.

Marcus Johansson
However, this was different and when Winnipeg Jets head coach Claude Noel tapped him on the shoulder, Bogosian was asked to jump up from his familiar post on defence to play right wing.

Bogosian adding wing eligibility slightly helps his fantasy hockey value. Last season, the enigmatic defender scored only five goals and 17 points for the Atlanta Thrashers. If coach Claude Noel continues to put him in high-leverage offensive situations, Bogosian could approach 10 goals again.

Zach Bogosian
Matt Cullen and Jared Spurgeon, who missed the final three preseason games with injuries, practiced today.

The young puck-mover should be ready for the regular season. Last season, Spurgeon scored four goals and 12 points through 53 games including six on the PP. Expect his playing time to increase in his sophomore season.

Jared Spurgeon
Matt Cullen (neck) and Jared Spurgeon (rib) are out tonight, so same lineup tonight as Tuesday unless Nate Prosser gets in. Wild's 3-0 with Prosser in the lineup, by the way, and 0-2 without him.

Just a precautionary measure as the Wild want their young, puck-moving d-man healthy. Last season, Spurgeon scored four goals and 12 points through 53 games including six on the PP. Expect his playing time to increase in his sophomore season.

Jared Spurgeon
Likewise, Jared Spurgeon has a bruised rib and Justin Falk will play in his place.

Just a precautionary measure as the Wild want their young, puck-moving d-man healthy. Last season, Spurgeon scored four goals and 12 points through 53 games including six on the PP. Expect his playing time to increase in his sophomore season.

Jared Spurgeon
BUFFALO, N.Y. (September 26, 2011) --- Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier today announced the team has assigned the following 14 players to the Rochester Americans (AHL): Forwards Marcus Foligno, Zack Kassian, Jonathan Parker, Michael Ryan, Colin Stuart, Corey Tropp, Phil Varone and Derek Whitmore; defensemen TJ Brennan, Joe Finley, Brayden McNabb, Dennis Persson and Drew Schiestel; and goaltender Drew MacIntyre.

No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.

Marcus Foligno