Sami Niku News

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.

Niku is doubtful to be in the lineup on Thursday after being moved to the COVID-19 protocol list this morning. Niku was already expected to come out of the lineup with Chris Wideman set to return.

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).

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.

Tonight will be the first time Niku suited up in 16 games. Niku will appear in his fourth game of the season, replacing Tucker Poolman, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Niku has 10 points (2G / 8A) in 51 career NHL games.

Niku appeared in the first three games of the season but will sit in favour of Ville Heinola on Thursday. Head coach Paul Maurice was critical of Niku's game to start the season, so it could be a while before he gets back into the lineup.

With Dylan DeMelo out due to personal reasons, Niku will suit up against the Flames. The 24-year-old defenseman had five assists in 17 games last season, giving him 10 points (2G / 8A) in 48 career NHL games.

Niku has had terrible luck with injuries this season and will miss at least a couple of weeks with a lower-body issue. With Niku out, Nelson Nogier has been recalled from Manitoba (AHL).

Niku has been out of the lineup for the last two games but will play tonight in Washington. Niku will likely get some power-play time with Josh Morrisey out. Niku has posted five assists in 17 games this season.

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.

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.

Nathan Beaulieu is out for at least one month so Niku returns to the NHL after picking up 14 points (3G / 11A) in 18 AHL games this season. He has five points (2G / 3A) in 32 career NHL games to-date.

Niku played in Pittsburgh on Tuesday but was a healthy scratch on Thursday with both Josh Morrissey and Dmitry Kulikov returning to the lineup. Niku heads back to Manitoba but will absolutely be up with the big-club again this season.

Niku had one shot in 17:01 TOI in his season debut on Tuesday but will come out of the lineup on Thursday. Josh Morrissey (upper-body) will draw in for him after missing the last two games.