Erik Johnson (knee) participated during the Avs' morning skate and could be back in the lineup Saturday against the Sabres, Terry Frei of the Denver Post reports.

Johnson (knee) participated during the Avs' morning skate and could be back in the lineup Saturday against the Sabres, Terry Frei of the Denver Post reports.

Analysis:

The Avalanche are still listing Johnson on injured reserve, but that could change over the afternoon if team doctors determine he's now sufficiently recovered from the knee injury. The blueliner has been skating with the team for a week, and even if his return doesn't come Saturday, it looks like the Avalanche will get him back within the next few days. The All-Star has been sidelined since late January.