The Syracuse Crunch announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets reassigned right wing Matt Davidson to Syracuse. The Crunch also announced that they released Alex Johnstone from his professional try-out contract.

Davidson, 24, appeared in 47 games with Syracuse during the regular season, recording 9 goals, 11 assists and 64 penalty minutes. In 17 games with Columbus this year, Davidson recorded 1 goal, 2 assists and 10 penalty minutes. A native of Flin Flon, Manitoba, Davidson was acquired by Columbus in a June 23, 2000 trade along with defenseman Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre and two draft picks from the Buffalo Sabres for past considerations.

Johnstone, 22, appeared in a total of 55 East Coast Hockey League games this season with Columbus, Columbia and most recently New Orleans, recording 2 goals, 1 assist and 222 penalty minutes. In three games with Syracuse during the regular season, Johnstone recorded 1 goal and 18 penalty minutes. A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Johnstone was a teammate of former Crunch star Jody Shelley at Halifax (QMJHL) during the 1996-97 season.

The Crunch travel to Philadelphia on Sunday, April 21, to face the Phantoms for Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Game time is set for 5:05 p.m. at the First Union Center. Game Four will be played Tuesday, April 23 at 7:05 p.m. if necessary.

Pictured: Matt DAvidson, above and previous page.