Winnipeg Jets Roster Updates Ahead of New Season
As the Winnipeg Jets approach the final selection of their roster ahead of the upcoming season, the team has made strategic cuts to reshape their lineup. With the season opener scheduled for Thursday, several younger players have been reassigned to their junior teams, and a few experienced players have been loaned to the AHL’s Manitoba Moose.
Injuries Open Opportunities
Injuries to key players Adam Lowry and Dylan Samberg, who will start the season on injured reserve, have opened up opportunities for new faces and less seasoned players on the Jets’ roster. Furthermore, added injuries to Cole Perfetti and Jonathan Toews have provided extended chances for those who might not have anticipated such long stints at training camp.
Samberg’s injury, particularly, has created a vacancy among the top-four defensemen for the first month or so, complicating an already competitive blue line. With Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo, and Neal Pionk confirmed as top choices outside of Samberg, the battle for the remaining positions involves Luke Schenn, Haydn Fleury, Colin Miller, Logan Stanley, and Ville Heinola.
Mehran Ville Heinola’s Waiver Status
On Sunday, the Jets decided to place Mehran Ville Heinola on waivers, hoping he will become available to play with the Moose this season. He was a notable first-round pick, 20th overall, in the 2019 NHL Draft, having initially made the Jets’ roster following the retirement of veteran player Dustin Byfuglien. Heinola made history as the first player born in the 21st century to score an NHL goal, tallying one goal and five points in eight games during his rookie season before being sent back for further development.
Since then, the 24-year-old has struggled to secure a permanent spot on the Jets roster. Over five seasons, he has played only 53 games, recording just a single goal and 12 points. The majority of his career has been spent with the Moose, where across seven seasons he has contributed significantly, scoring 23 goals and accumulating 103 points in 154 games.
The outcome regarding Heinola’s waivers will be revealed at 1:00 PM central time on Monday, with a waiver claim potentially offering him the best pathway toward further development in his career.
