Columbus Completes Six-Player Blockbuster Deal with Fresno

COLUMBUS, GA – The Columbus River Dragons have completed a six-player blockbuster trade with the Fresno Falcons, acquiring veteran forward Malik Johnson and defenseman Rasmus Asp in exchange for forwards Yaro Yevdokimov, Skate Skalde, Colin Ratt, and defenseman Brandon Walker.

The move adds a pair of proven FPHL veterans to Columbus as the organization continues to strengthen its roster in pursuit of a championship during the 2026-27 season.

"Today's trade made us bigger, tougher, and stronger up front and on the blue line while adding valuable leadership to our locker room," said River Dragons COO Jeff Croop. "While it's never easy to part with a passionate player like Skate and other quality assets, you don't acquire battleships by trading away rowboats. We believe this move makes us a better team today and sets us up for even greater success moving forward."

Johnson, a 31-year-old left wing from LaSalle, Quebec, arrives in Columbus with an impressive combination of offensive production, physical play, and veteran leadership. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 192 pounds, Johnson split last season between the ECHL and FPHL, appearing in seven games with the Allen Americans before returning to the Athens Rock Lobsters. In 18 games with Athens, he recorded two goals and 17 assists while amassing 84 penalty minutes.

Following Athens' move to the SPHL, Johnson's FPHL rights were selected second overall by Fresno in the 2026 FPHL Dispersal Draft before being acquired by the River Dragons.

Over 66 career FPHL games, all with Athens, Johnson has totaled 17 goals, 46 assists, and 206 penalty minutes. Prior to his time in the FPHL, he spent two seasons with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the SPHL, posting 33 goals and 30 assists while collecting 227 penalty minutes in 110 games.

Asp also arrives in Columbus following one of the busiest offseasons in recent FPHL history. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound defenseman from Sweden was selected as the first player in the Stockton Thunder's FPHL era before being dealt to Fresno, and now finds his way to Columbus.

The 26-year-old recently completed his first full season with the Monroe Moccasins after joining the club midway through the 2024-25 campaign. Known for his size, defensive reliability, and physical presence, Asp brings stability and veteran experience to the River Dragons' blue line.

Across 164 career FPHL games spanning four franchises, Asp has recorded 11 goals, 49 assists, 189 penalty minutes, and a +17 rating. He is expected to play a key role on the Columbus defense heading into the 2026-27 slate.

The trade also marks the departure of four players from the River Dragons organization.

Yevdokimov appeared in two games for Columbus after joining the club late last season. The former Biloxi Breakers captain has averaged nearly two points per game across 66 career FPHL contests but has battled injuries while spending much of his professional career overseas in Kazakhstan and in the ECHL.

Skalde leaves Columbus after becoming a fan favorite during his 19-game stint with the River Dragons. The 23-year-old forward recorded three goals and three assists while leading the team with 162 penalty minutes. His fearless style of play and willingness to stand up for teammates made him one of the club's most recognizable personalities during the 2025-26 season.

Ratt heads to Fresno after posting two goals and two assists in nine games with Columbus following his arrival late last year. The 22-year-old rookie forward previously played in the NPHL, BCHL, QJHL, and QMJHL before beginning his professional career.

Walker departs the organization before appearing in a game for the River Dragons. The 24-year-old defenseman recorded three goals and two assists in 10 games with Athens last season while also seeing SPHL action with the Peoria Rivermen and Quad City Storm following his collegiate career at York University.

With the addition of Johnson and Asp, the River Dragons continue an aggressive offseason focused on building a championship-caliber roster for the 2026-27 season.

Season tickets for the 2026-27 season are on sale now. Click here to secure your seats today and be part of what promises to be another exciting year of River Dragons hockey.