Sami Niku News

Niku has been activated from the COVID-19 protocol list and is expected to re-join the team later this week.

Niku has been out since November 29th but could return by this weekend. Niku won't re-join the team immediately, which suggests he won't play Thursday vs. the Flyers and is more likely for Saturday vs. the Bruins.

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The Canadiens have signed Sami Niku to a one-year, two-way contract.

Niku quickly rose up the prospect ranks in Winnipeg but was never able to land a full-time role at the NHL level. In Montreal, he'll find himself in a similar situation and will likely open the year in the AHL. In 54 career NHL games, the 24-year-old defenseman has two goals and eight assists (10 points).

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The Jets have placed Sami Niku on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.

According to Chris Johnston, Niku isn't focusing on going to Europe and is hoping for a fresh start with another NHL team. Niku was a seventh-round pick in 2015 but his stock skyrocketed in 2018 when he had 54 points (16G / 38A) in 76 games in his first AHL season. He was unable to take that next step in the years that followed and continued to bounce between the AHL and NHL.

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Niku is expected to be back in the Jets lineup on Sunday afternoon.

Niku was a healthy scratch in Boston on Thursday but will replace Luca Sbisa in the lineup this afternoon. Niku is still looking for his first point of the season after being held off of the scoresheet in his first three games of the season.

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Niku will draw into the Jets lineup on Monday.

Niku is among the Jets' top prospects and will finally get another look on Monday night. He's appeared in one NHL game this year and 32 total since 2018, scoring two goals with three assists. The 23-year-old blueliner has totalled 14 points (3G / 11A) in 18 AHL games this season.

Sami Niku