With Tobias Enstrom out for the remainder of the regular season, now would be the perfect time for the Winnipeg Jets to give Sami Niku a taste of the big leagues.
The Winnipeg Jets announced today that Tobias Enstrom would be out for the remainder of the regular season. In addition, Dmitry Kulikov, another left-hand defenceman, is out with an injury. This leaves Joshua Morrisy and Ben Chairot as the only healthy left-handed defence on the team. This makes it the perfect time to bring up Sami Niku.
Now, I must admit that I have been excited about Sami Niku ever since he was drafted in the 7th round in 2015. Here is why Sami Niku should be called up to the Winnipeg Jets to play a few games this season.
Niku has earned it
Niku’s has been outstanding in his rookie season. The following is a comparison of Niku’s first year on the Moose to Morrisey’s first year on the Moose (from Elite Prospects):
| Season | GP | G | A | TP | PPG | PIM | +/- | |
| Morrisey | 2015-2016 | 57 | 3 | 19 | 22 | 0.39 | 47 | -9 |
| Niku | 2017-2018 | 67 | 14 | 32 | 46 | 0.69 | 30 | 15 |
Admittedly these were on two very different Moose teams. When Morrisey was on the Moose, they finished outside the playoffs, second last in the central division. Since then the Moose have been significantly retooled and currently sit at the top of the central division.
Niku currently sits 5th in rookie scoring in the AHL, first among rookie defencemen and 3rd among all defencemen for points.
Give Niku a Taste of Playing with the Big Boys
With a playoff spot locked up the Winnipeg Jets can afford to rest the regulars and give the rookies a taste of the big league. Doing this rewards Niku for his strong play and gives him a feel for the difference between the NHL and AHL and should give him the drive to improve his game.
See if Niku is ready to replace Enstrom
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On the other hand, perhaps Sami Niku isn’t ready to move up to the NHL. At only 6 feet, Sami Niku is smaller than your average Winnipeg Jet defenceman and playing against NHL talent cold highlight his smaller stature.
If Sam Niku does struggle then maybe he isn’t ready to move into the NHL and could do with more seasoning in the AHL. Seeing Niku play against NHL talent should help Cheveldayoff make a decision whether to resign Enstrom or look for another left-handed defenceman in free agency.
Push down Enstrom’s asking price down
At 33 Tobias Enstrom is entering the tail end of his career. He is still talented enough to play in the NHL, just not at in the top two in defence. As a result, Enstrom is probably looking at a bit of a pay cut for his next contract, especially if he wants to stay in Winnipeg.
Kevin Cheveldayoff can point to Niku as a potential replacement and barging from a position of strength. Enstrom still has plenty to offer on a year or two more from him would provide the Winnipeg Jets with a deep left-handed defence.
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Final Thoughts
Sami Niku has been quietly having an amazing rookie season in the AHL and deserves some playing time, if only to evaluate his ability to play against more talented competition.