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Avs’ Erik Johnson suspended 2 games for slash that broke Frans Nielsen’s hand

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson had a phone hearing Tuesday morning with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his slash on Frans Nielsen of the New York Islanders Saturday night. The play earned a two minute minor during the Avs' 5-2 win on Long Island. But with the violent nature of his swing, supplemental discipline was needed.

When Avs return from the Olympic break on Feb. 26, they'll do so without Johnson for two games after he was suspended.

Johnson will forfeit $38,461.54 in salary that will go toward the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Playing into Johnson's suspension is the news that, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple, Nielsen suffered a non-displaced fracture in his hand. Depending on his healing, he could return for the Islanders' first game post-Olympic break on Feb. 27, but the likely scenario is that he returns in early March.

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Sean Leahy

is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!