Ryan Johnson loaned to Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres have announced Friday that defenseman Ryan Johnson has been loaned to the Rochester Americans in the AHL. Johnson has two assists and averaged 13:52 of ice time in 20 NHL games this season.

The move clears up room for Tage Thompson to be activated from the non-roster list. Thompson was placed on the non-roster list yesterday for personal reasons.

Zemgus Girgensons practiced with the team Thursday, albeit in Thompson’s usual spot on the top line. Girgensons is still on injured reserve.

We’re expecting more roster news Friday, as Tyson Jost was placed on waivers Thursday, per Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman. NHL teams have until noon eastern time to claim Jost, otherwise it is expected he too will end up being loaned to Rochester. That would clear up the roster space required to activate Girgensons ahead of Saturday evening’s tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets.