It was a move that not many saw coming.
The Winnipeg Jets finalized their 23-man opening day roster by assigning defenceman Sami Niku to the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose.
It was a surprising move as the 22-year-old was expected to start the season in the NHL, especially after the off-season departures of fellow blueliners Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot.
READ MORE: Bryan Little sidelined with concussion
Niku finished last season in the NHL with the Jets. The Finnish defenceman appeared in 30 NHL games last season in which he scored one goal with three assists.
The former AHL defenceman of the year was hampered by a groin injury throughout training camp.
READ MORE: Winnipeg Jets say goodbye to Comrie, claim Dahlstrom
The Jets also placed defenceman Nathan Beaulieu on injured reserve. He’s expected to miss at least four weeks with an upper-body injury after getting hurt in their final pre-season game on Sunday.
Jets draft picks Ville Heinola and David Gustafsson survived their final cuts and will start the season in the NHL.
WATCH: (Sept. 13, 2019) Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest showcases military helicopter
The Jets play their season opener in the Big Apple on Thursday against the New York Rangers.
Winnipeg Jets 2019-20 Opening Day Roster
Goalies
- Connor Hellebuyck
- Laurent Brossoit
Defencemen
- Anthony Bitetto
- Tucker Poolman
- Neal Pionk
- Dmitry Kulikov
- Ville Heinola
- Carl Dahlstrom
- Josh Morrissey
Forwards
- Andrew Copp
- Adam Lowry
- Bryan Little
- David Gustafsson
- Mark Letestu
- Blake Wheeler
- Nikolaj Ehlers
- Jack Roslovic
- Patrik Laine
- Mark Scheifele
- Gabriel Bourque
- Kyle Connor
- Mason Appleton
- Mathieu Perreault
Comments