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Winnipeg Jets Have A New Defensive Duo

By Dylan Paré

MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 03: Sami Niku #83 of the Winnipeg Jets skates as he looks towards the play against the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on April 3, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 03: Sami Niku #83 of the Winnipeg Jets skates as he looks towards the play against the Montreal Canadiens during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on April 3, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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The Winnipeg Jets have two defenders suiting up for the first time this season. Sami Niku and Cam Schilling will be our newest defence pairing.

The Winnipeg Jets just announced yesterday that they had called up long-time AHL defenseman, Cam Schilling up to the big squad. Schilling has only played six NHL games previous to tonight’s game against Chicago. He’s been on a few different AHL teams, but has never really been able to crack an NHL lineup. The best he could do was the six games in three different seasons with the Washington Capitals.

Sami Niku was called up around two weeks ago, but has yet to dress until tonight. Niku is one of the Winnipeg Jets top defenseman prospects, and is looking to squeeze his way into our lineup. Niku is a very offensive player, and could contribute a ton to our team when he’s fully developed.

New pairing to shake up defence?

So, Sami Niku and Cameron Schilling are playing in their first game this season for the Winnipeg Jets, and Cam Schilling is playing in his first game as a Jet. It’s actually his first NHL game since 2014.

These two have been a pairing for a while down in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose, but the real question is, will they be able to make a switch into the NHL now?

In my opinion, the Winnipeg Jets are very much in need of a shakeup. With each of them up on the Winnipeg Jets, there’s a good chance they both could stick, or at least be the first called upon options. What I mean by that is the Jets are often facing injury problems, which could open up an option of keeping Niku and Schilling with the team. This would give them a good opportunity to get a bunch of games in.

Cam and Sami just have one more job to do, and that is to prove themselves. It was only a couple of minutes ago that Schilling got his first ever NHL point. We’re two periods in, and the old rookie has been playing very well. Taking multiple shots, getting an assist, and making some really smart plays.

Next. Winnipeg Jets are now among the bottom of the Central Division. dark

Don’t be surprised to see Schilling in our next couple of games…

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