Johnston signs, status quo elsewhere: Tuesday notes

Still no Brett Gallant or Harry Zolnierczyk at practice for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers this morning, but Brent Thompson said Zolnierczyk skated on his own — still got a ways to go — and Gallant was doing OK but continued to rest Tuesday.

The defense looked identical, and the forward lines looked similar with the addition of Vermont ATO Colin Markison. “He looked good today,” Thompson said of his first impressions. “We’re going to see. He’s got speed, can get in on the forecheck. We’ve heard he can bring some energy, goes hard to the net.” Still getting him acclimated to the systems, Thompson said; guessing that means he’s not in tomorrow morning.

Before practice, the Islanders announced they’d signed an Islander: Ross Johnston, big forward out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, signed an NHL entry-level contract. Johnston, 21, was with the Islanders in training camp; he got into a fight in the third period of the exhibition game here against Boston. (He then didn’t play until Nov. 15: broken jaw in that fight with Chris Breen.) He and Charlottetown are up 2-1 on Sherbrooke in the first round of the Q playoffs, so it’d be at least another week before he’d arrive here, were he to ATO after the Islanders are done (if they’re done before Bridgeport is on April 19).

Spring Fun 102 tomorrow. Bright and early. Loud kids. Springfield in town.

And as seen on Twitter: Happy birthday, Gordie Howe.

Michael Fornabaio