There is very little evidence that the Winnipeg Jets prefer to develop their prospects in the NHL, and even less evidence to say a player can step right into their first season on the smaller North American ice and find success. Elias Salomonsson is trying to defy both of those precedents and find a spot on the Jets out of camp.
The 20-year-old Swedish defenseman is getting every shot he can to impress, and it sounds like he is doing just that. Salomonsson is going to be on the third pairing on Wednesday night as the Jets take on the Calgary Flames, effectively giving the coaching staff a look at what he can do this late in the preseason.
That said, the odds remain stacked against the young defender as he tries to force the Jets’ coaching staff into a really tough decision. There is certainly a chance for that type of surprising move to happen, but can Salomonsson really seize that opportunity?
Heinola, Stanley Injuries Open a Spot
Let’s start with the obvious and remind everyone that this conversation wouldn’t even be happening if not for the two key defensive injuries that have taken place in training camp. Ville Heinola went down early after an infection was discovered in his surgically-repaired ankle from last season’s injury, effectively marking an indefinite absence. Then, it was announced that Logan Stanley would be undergoing knee surgery after a meniscus issue flared up. Both are out for at least a month.
Those two, one way or another, were likely destined to battle for that sixth and final defensive spot. Now, it’s a toss-up regarding who will spend time this season on that third pairing. The Jets prepared for a situation like this by bringing in Haydn Fleury and Dylan Coghlan in the offseason, but is that enough to make a difference?
Enter Salomonsson.
The Jets’ 2022 55th-overall selection is a fresh face in terms of the North American game, spending the last four seasons with Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Hockey League before making the jump over this season. Most have anticipated he’ll spend time with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL) before having an NHL…
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