Just One Point But Jets Reach A Couple Of Milestones

What a wild game last night. The Jets only took one point in the 5-4 overtime loss to the high-flying Ducks but two skaters reached big milestones. The game had a little bit of everything - a star goalie returning, blown leads, a fight, and a 6-on-5 goal - but let’s take a look at the accomplishments by Gus Nyquist and Elias Salomonsson.

Nyquist hits 900 games played

“Goose” isn’t slowing down. The Swedish forward, originally drafted in 2008, is a model of longevity. Nyquist has played for six different National Hockey League clubs with about half of his 900 games coming in a Detroit Red Wings uniform. Known for his versatility, Goose has been moved around by a few teams looking for a skater who can play either wing and in a variety of roles, including on the power play. Unfortunately this year hasn’t gone to plan for Nyquist as he’s on pace for the lowest points per game total (9 in 37) of his career. At age 36 and with an expiring contract, if he isn't traded this week he'll need a flash in the last month of the season to draw some attention in the free agency market this summer.

Salomonsson gets his first NHL goal

On the other end of his career, 21 year old Elias Salomonsson found twine for the first time in his 15th NHL game. Considered by many to be the Jets' top prospect, the Swedish defenceman has a bright future ahead of him. "Salo" was drafted in the second round back in 2022 and made his debut before the Olympic break. He hasn't looked back yet and with where the Jets are in the standings he should get plenty of minutes through the final weeks of the season. So far, Salo is getting a litte over 17 minutes per night. A coveted right-shot defenceman, with some development he could pair with Josh Morrissey on the Jets' top unit. His development will be one of the more interesting things to keep an eye on as the season comes to and end.

A few other takeaways from the game

Cole Perfetti has really found his game. With two assists last night, including the helper on Kyle Connor's late game-tying goal, Perfetti is a difference maker. While he has been rumoured to be part of trades earlier this winter, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff should instead look to get him help on the second line next year.

It was great to have Connor Hellebuyck back in net for the Jets. That said, coming off the pinnacle achievement (and individual performance) of his career in Milan, his body language looked frustrated after the late goals against. It should be chalked up to traveling across 9 time zones in 6 days and coming back to what has been a disappointing season with Winnipeg 8 points out of a wild card spot.

Vlad Namestnikov left the game early with a lower-body injury and Mark Scheifele came up awkward after a hit in the final minutes. The Jets can't afford many more injuries, but they should not rush these guys back. Giving minutes to some prospects will help with potential trade values and all of the focus should be on retooling for next season.

Next up the Jets head to San Jose for a matchup with the Sharks on Sunday.