GROVE CITY, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets made an unusual one-day addition to their roster, giving a ceremonial "contract" to a terminally ill cancer patient.

Nineteen-year-old Ryan Salmons were greeted at his suburban Columbus home on Wednesday by his favorite members of the hockey club, Manny Malhotra and Jason Chimera.

Though the Blue Jackets didn't have a game, the players and general manager Scott Howson offered Salmons a deal as a defenseman for the day — complete with a $3 signing bonus. They also brought a mock news release announcing the transaction.

Doctors diagnosed Salmons with cancer in April, and since then he has been hosted at several games. He says he wants to see the Blue Jackets reach the playoffs for the first time.

___

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com