The Winnipeg Jets have recalled Elias Salomonsson from the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.
The move comes after the Jets had Neal Pionk leave the game against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday, November 23rd after taking a hit. Josh Morrissey later left the game after a puck deflected up and hit him in the face.
The 21-year-old is the second recall for the Jets in the past five days. He joins Moose teammate Thomas Milic on the Jets roster. This is Salomonsson’s second career NHL call up and has yet to make his NHL debut.
Salomonsson, since joining the Moose, has strengthened the blue line for the team, posting 27 points (5G, 22A) in 53 AHL games in his rookie season. The 25th season for the Moose was forgetful, but Salomonsson managed to finish with a plus-minus of just minus-seven. Most poke fun at the plus-minus statistic, but it’s impressive that Salomonsson finished with that stat line on a Moose team that was second last in the entire AHL.
Throughout 17 games this season, Salomonsson has six assists and has been a force on the blue line. He’s been paired with Isaak Phillips, and the duo has been a force for the Moose as they’ve effectively controlled the puck in the Moose’s zone.
With no official update on Morrissey or Pionk, Salomonsson’s call up reflects a need to have depth while the Jets travel for their upcoming five-game road trip.
Once the news on Pionk’s status, this article will be updated to reflect the news.
The 2022 second round (55th overall) draft selection enjoyed success in Sweden with Skelleftea AIK before he joined the Jets organization.
Salomonsson provides depth and needed youth to the Jets’ roster. If he can settle down the Jets’ blue line, Salomonsson could move himself up the depth chart and potentially earn a role as an NHL regular sooner rather than later.
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Conrad Jack is a Manitoba based sportswriter covering the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and the Manitoba Moose (AHL). He also covers the NHL Draft and World Junior Championship for ITR. He also writes the NHL News & Rumors blog at ITR.