The Winnipeg Jets Recall Danny Zhilkin
The Winnipeg Jets are set to give Danny Zhilkin, a promising 22-year-old forward, his first chance to compete in the NHL after recalling him from their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. This development comes in the wake of an unfortunate injury to defenseman Haydn Fleury, who was placed on injured reserve dated retroactively to January 6.
Fleury’s Injury Details
Fleury’s injury occurred during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights when he collided forcefully with the boards. He was subsequently carried off the ice and has since been diagnosed with a broken nose and a bruised back. Furthermore, he is under evaluation for a potential concussion, having recently returned from a previous concussion that sidelined him for 17 games.
Zhilkin’s Career Progression
Zhilkin’s call-up marks a pivotal point in his career, as he has been steadily climbing through the ranks for three seasons after being drafted 102nd overall in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft. The young forward has been performing admirably this season, racking up 14 points in 30 appearances with the Moose, showing promising improvement from his previous two seasons where he totaled 17 points.
His evolving skills both offensively and defensively have made him a reliable asset, earning him further trust within the Jets organization. Earlier this season, Zhilkin was among the final cuts during the Jets’ training camp, indicating that members of the organization believed his NHL debut was imminent.
Future Implications for the Jets
Now, with the increased turmoil of injuries and the unpredictability of their playoff aspirations, the Jets may be shifting their focus towards assessing younger players, with Zhilkin being the first beneficiary of this strategy. This could lead to more opportunities for additional prospects in the near future, signaling a potential shift in the franchise’s direction as the season unfolds.
