There may be little or no proof that the Winnipeg Jets favor to develop their prospects within the NHL, and even much less proof to say a participant can step proper into their first season on the smaller North American ice and discover success. Elias Salomonsson is making an attempt to defy each of these precedents and discover a spot on the Jets out of camp.
The 20-year-old Swedish defenseman is getting each shot he can to impress, and it appears like he’s doing simply that. Salomonsson goes to be on the third pairing on Wednesday night time because the Jets tackle the Calgary Flames, successfully giving the teaching employees a take a look at what he can do that late within the preseason.
That mentioned, the percentages stay stacked in opposition to the younger defender as he tries to power the Jets’ teaching employees into a extremely robust determination. There may be actually an opportunity for that sort of peculiar transfer to occur, however can Salomonsson actually seize that chance?
Heinola, Stanley Accidents Open a Spot
Let’s begin with the plain and remind everybody that this dialog wouldn’t even be occurring if not for the 2 key defensive accidents which have taken place in coaching camp. Ville Heinola went down early after an an infection was found in his surgically-repaired ankle from final season’s harm, successfully marking an indefinite absence. Then, it was introduced that Logan Stanley can be present process knee surgical procedure after a meniscus difficulty flared up. Each are out for no less than a month.
These two, a method or one other, have been probably destined to battle for that sixth and last defensive spot. Now, it’s a toss-up relating to who will spend time this season on that third pairing. The Jets ready for a scenario like this by bringing in Haydn Fleury and Dylan Coghlan within the offseason, however is that sufficient to make a distinction?
Enter Salomonsson.
The Jets’ 2022 Fifty fifth-overall choice is a contemporary face when it comes to the North American recreation, spending the final 4 seasons with Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Hockey League earlier than making the leap over this season. Most have anticipated he’ll spend time with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League (AHL) earlier than having an NHL impression, however it seems the accidents might have sped up that course of.
Admittedly, Jets’ head coach Scott Arniel is utilizing that open third-pairing spot as a tryout spot for these making an attempt to make an impression like Salomonsson, Fleury, and Coghlan.
“They’re all type of getting kicks at it on that facet of the ice,” Arniel mentioned in his post-practice scrum on Sunday, Sept. 29. “I’ve to get a really feel for, with these two accidents on that facet setting us again, who can possibly go over and play that facet.”
That uncertainty is in the end what Salomonsson must capitalize on if he’s planning on making an NHL impression to start out the season. If he can wedge his manner in there and proceed to get extra comfy, he’ll give Arniel an opportunity to see what he can do and power the brand new bench boss to make what is unquestionably a troublesome determination.
Salomonsson Retains Bettering
Issues seemed a bit tentative for Salomonsson within the early phases of the preseason, however he’s solely improved since then. He’s seemed visibly comfy because the coaching camp periods have come and gone, even laying the physique on Jets’ captain Adam Lowry throughout Sunday’s apply. That’s a part of his recreation, and him displaying it so confidently is an indication he’s feeling able to make some noise in camp.
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“He’s getting increasingly more comfy every day,” Arniel mentioned Sunday. “He’s type of gone underneath the radar, however he’s a prospect we’ll be counting on.”
Salomonsson has a puck-moving upside that isn’t as current within the different two choices, and whereas taking part in on the left isn’t his pure spot, it seems that isn’t an issue as he continues to develop as a participant. Is that enchancment sufficient to win him a spot over two veterans? That’s a call that probably received’t be made till nearer to the top of coaching camp.
His recreation falls underneath an fascinating class, as he profiles as somebody who can play a shutdown function in a defensive group. That mentioned, he isn’t a slouch when it comes to how he strikes the puck. This was obvious on the larger ice, as he was in a position to make the most of time and house to work the puck into transition to make sure the play left the zone with out extra threats. If that aspect interprets to the smaller ice, the Jets can be sensible so as to add somebody like that into the fold.
Two Video games for Defensive Hopefuls to Stand Out
The Jets have two preseason video games remaining, each in opposition to the Flames. The likeliest end result is that Salmonsson, together with Fleury and Coghlan, play each as a final likelihood to make a distinction and stand out. No matter whether or not Salomonsson makes the NHL squad after these two video games, it’s an important downside to have if you happen to’re the Jets that he has already begun to know the nuances of the smaller ice.
It’s an uphill battle for positive, however the reality he’s nonetheless battling exhibits simply how a lot Salomonsson has impressed the teaching employees. The query stays, nevertheless, can he defy the percentages and make the opening-night roster? Properly, that query will probably be answered no later than the top of the upcoming weekend.
