Elias Salomonsson to Make NHL Debut Against Washington Capitals

Winnipeg Jets prospect Elias Salomonsson will make his NHL debut against the Washington Capitals tomorrow night at Capital One Arena.

The news comes after defenseman Neal Pionk is listed as day-to-day, and while it’s subject to change during morning skate, the expectation is that Salomonsson will slot on the second pairing with Dylan Samberg.

The second defensive pairing gets a glimpse into its future as Salomonsson will likely be a Winnipeg Jets sooner rather than later. He gets his chance to showcase what he does best at the NHL level now in a time of need, but a chance to leave a strong impression.

“Those are special moments, and are well deserved,” Manitoba Moose head coach Mark Morrisson on Salomonsson being recalled. “You just put a huge body of work in, and it’s well deserved, and all the best to him,” Morrisson added.

Salomonsson has been a massive part of the Moose’s season up until this point. He’s been a reliable defender night in and night out regardless of the result, and he’s getting recalled because of it.

Morrisson talked about a huge body of work, and Salomonsson has done just that in his short time with the Moose. Since he’s come over to North America, Salomonsson has proved to be the Jets’ top defensive prospect with his steady play. He’ll slot beside Samberg, as previously noted, and the two play a similar game.

Pionk, who is out day-to-day, skated on his own today at Winnipeg Jets practice. Salomonsson will get his chance to showcase what he’s done best in the AHL, and here’s to hoping that it will translate to the NHL.

Salomonsson, 21, was a second-round (55th overall) draft pick by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He’s got six assists in 17 AHL games with the Manitoba Moose this season. He’s not the flashy point getter, but that could be mixed up with his usage on the power play in the 2024-25 season. Regardless, the Jets’ top defensive prospect gets a look from the big club and will take what he can get in the absence of the veteran defender Neal Pionk.