A young Winnipeg Jets prospect is set to return to the ice.
On Tuesday, the team announced they are activating forward Rasmus Kupari from injured reserved, and are loaning him to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.
Kupari was placed on IR on Nov. 15, with it being retroactive to Nov. 14, when the 23-year-old left the Jets’ game against the New Jersey Devils with an upper-body injury.
Kupari was injured following a collision in the first period against the Devils, immediately heading down the tunnel holding his arm.
The Kotka, Finland native was playing in his 15th game of the season. So far , he has mustered up just an assist on Oct. 14 versus the Florida Panthers.
Kupari signed a two-year deal with the Jets with an AAV of $1 million. He spent parts of the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, also playing with their top farm team, the Ontario Reign.
In 145 career NHL games, the 2019 World Juniors gold medalist has scored nine goals and 21 assists, including a career-high 15 points in 66 games with L.A. last season.
Kupari is expected to play a handful of games with the Moose to get his feet back under him. The Kärpät product has played in 85 AHL games, notching 24 goals and 24 assists.
His talents will be welcomed in Manitoba, as the Moose have one of the worst records in the AHL. At 12-17-0, Manitoba is one point ahead of the Bridgeport Islanders and San Diego Gulls for the lowest point total in the league.
The Moose are scheduled to play on Wednesday night, visiting the Belleville Senators, part of a three-game swing through eastern Canada for the club.
In the meantime, the Jets (26-9-4) have the best record in the NHL, one point ahead of the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks for that distinction.
More must-reads: