Sale of the Thrashers Approved by League

The NHL approved the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers on Monday, and the new owners expected to take over in the next few days.

A nine-man group headed by Boston businessman Steve Belkin agreed in September to buy the Thrashers, the Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena for $250 million from Time Warner. The NBA approved the Hawks’ deal two weeks ago.

“We’re ecstatic to receive NHL approval as the final step in the sale,” said Atlanta attorney Rutherford Seydel, a member of the partnership and the son-in-law of former Hawk and Thrasher owner Ted Turner.

Belkin’s new partnership -- known as Atlanta Spirit LLC -- also includes Turner’s youngest son, Beau Turner.

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Philadelphia defenseman Eric Desjardins could return to the lineup for the Flyers’ game against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. Desjardins, out since breaking his right forearm Jan. 17, was cleared to return to the ice after seeing his doctor over the weekend.

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Toronto forward Owen Nolan will be sidelined up to three weeks because of a knee injury suffered against Ottawa.

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Columbus recalled center Donald Mac- Lean and assigned defenseman Aaron Johnson to Syracuse of the American Hockey League.... New Jersey signed forward Zach Parise, their first-round pick in last year’s draft. Parise, the son of former NHL player J.P. Parise, was selected 17th overall in the draft by the Devils in June.... Vancouver recalled defenseman Nolan Baumgartner and right wing Jason King from Manitoba of the AHL.