As expected, the Winnipeg Jets have activated Mason Appleton in time for tonight’s season-opener. Dominic Toninato cleared waivers earlier today, and will likely be sent down once Axel Jonsson-Fjallby is activated from the non-roster list.
Appleton, 26, has had an interesting few years. After experiencing something of a breakout campaign in 2020-21, scoring 12 goals and 25 points in 56 games, he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. Eight months later, the Jets were able to get him back, sending a fourth-round pick to the Kraken after he played 49 games in Seattle.
Now, he figures to start on the third line with Morgan Barron and Adam Lowry, a big group that should be effective for the Jets. With just 21 points last season, there’s plenty of room for growth this time around as long as Appleton can stay healthy.
The Jets kick things off against the New York Rangers, a team that is already 2-0 on the year.