The Winnipeg Jets are undefeated in 2021! Here are three way too early conclusions based on their overtime win against the Calgary Flames in game one.
The Winnipeg Jets started 2021 avenging their series exit in the play-in round by defeating the Calgary Flames in overtime at Bell MTS Place. You can find Kieran Hurley‘s recap of the Winnipeg Jets comeback overtime victory against the Calgary Flames here. He also has some great insights on the victory here.
Although we are only one game into the new season, there are some things we saw last night that reinforced some beliefs about the team, raised some concerns about the team, and also gave Jets fans some hope.
Here are three likely way too early conclusions based on Jets victory number one of 2021.
3. Sami Niku is a Seventh or Eighth defenseman on the roster.
Many fans thought it was a harsh assessment of Sami Niku when Paul Maurice declared him as solidly in the top eight defensemen on the roster. Niku was pressed into action against the Flames on the third pairing against Calgary as Dylan DeMelo was absent due to the birth of his first child (congratulations to the DeMelo’s).
While it is unfair to compare Niku to arguably the Jets best defensive defenseman, Niku showed last night that he still struggles at the NHL level. Niku was paired with Nathan Beaulieu and for the most part, looked hesitant in his decision making; slightly out of position most of the game; and a bit overwhelmed by the physicality and speed of the Flames.
Niku has talent as evidenced by his 2017-18 AHL defenseman of the year award. However, it appears at this stage Niku is who coach Paul Maurice indicated – a seventh or eighth defenseman on the Jets roster. Further, I would think that he will soon be surpassed on the depth chart by Ville Heinola, Logan Stanley, and Dylan Samberg.