Winnipeg Jets Recall 13 Players From AHL
Now that the Manitoba Moose have been eliminated from the AHL playoffs, the Winnipeg Jets have recalled their “Black Aces.” These players are unlikely to get into the playoff lineup, but will skate with the team and experience what it’s like to go through an NHL postseason. The team has recalled:
F Mason Appleton
F Chase De Leo
F Jansen Harkins
F Brendan Lemieux
F J.C. Lipon
F Nic Petan
F Michael Spacek
D Julian Melchiori
D Jan Kostalek
D Sami Niku
D Nelson Nogier
D Logan Stanley
Of special note is Stanley, who spent this season with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. The behemoth defenseman joined the Moose just recently, but didn’t get into a game with them. He’ll get a chance to see what his future holds, as Stanley is expected to make it to the NHL within the next few seasons. The first-round pick had an outstanding season after battling injury in 2016-17, and should be a fixture on the Moose blue line next year.
Many of the other players called up already have experience at the NHL level, including Niku who made his debut this season. The seventh-round pick won the AHL Defenseman of the Year award as a rookie, after putting up 54 points in 76 games. The Jets, who already have one of the deepest defense corps in the league, are well stocked for the future.
Minor Transactions: 02/15/18
The Canadian Olympic team got off to a better start than their US equivalent, beating the Swiss team 5-1 in their opening game this morning. Wojtek Wolski and Rene Bourque both tallied two goals in the win, showing that they still have some high-level hockey left in them after a long professional career. As the Olympics continues, we’ll keep track of all the NHL’s minor transactions right here.
- The Ottawa Senators have recalled Ben Harpur from the minor leagues, giving them an extra defenseman for their game against the Buffalo Sabres later tonight. Harpur was recently extended by the team for two more years, as he obviously figures into their plan on the blue line. The 23-year old has a single point in 20 games with the Senators this season.
- Brendan Lemieux has been loaned back to the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. The Winnipeg Jets are preparing for their matchup tomorrow against the Colorado Avalanche, and have several players nursing injuries. Lemieux has played very well for the Moose this season, recording 28 points in 30 games and has made a physical impact during his nine games with the Jets. The 21-year old is part of the future in Winnipeg as a bottom-six winger who carries some scoring upside.
- Reid Duke has been activated from injured reserve and sent to the Chicago Wolves, finally ready to start his professional career after being the first player ever to sign with the Vegas Golden Knights. Duke was injured in training camp and hasn’t played all season.
- Colorado has returned winger Rocco Grimaldi to San Antonio of the AHL. He had been recalled yesterday in case winger Matt Nieto was able to play. The diminutive forward has three points in six games with the Avalanche this season along with 24 in 40 minor league contests/