Finnish star could make NHL debut with Jets Tuesday

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This article was published 02/04/2018 (2718 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA — Sami Niku has done a remarkable job adjusting to a smaller workspace, but it’s likely he’ll make his NHL debut on one of hockey’s biggest stages.

The Finnish defenceman, enjoying a strong start to his North American pro career with the Manitoba Moose, received a promotion by the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday and was a spectator in Ottawa Monday.

Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice indicated the offensively gifted blue-liner will likely be in the lineup Tuesday in Montreal when the Canadiens host the Jets.

Niku said he’s excited the moment he’s been eagerly awaiting is finally at hand.

“This has been my dream my whole life and now it’s very close, to play in the NHL,” said the 21-year-old, sporting the lengthy Erik Karlsson-like locks. “Actually, I knew that they might call me up, but of course it was a surprise.”

Niku, listed at 6-0, 194 pounds on the Moose roster, has been cruising in his rookie AHL campaign, scoring 15 goals and helping set up 37 others in 71 games for the Jets affiliate. The product of Haapavesi, Finland was tied for the AHL lead in points by a defenceman and tied for second in goals by a blue-liner, as of Monday morning.

Altering his style — so dynamic in the Finnish Elite League on the wide ice — to be most effective on the more compact rink took some getting used to, he said.

“My first maybe 10 games wasn’t so good because the game is a bit different here than in Finland, but after that I’m very happy how I’ve played,” said Niku, who lived with countryman Patrik Laine for a month when he first arrived in Winnipeg. “It’s because (the ice) is smaller and I don’t have so much time with the puck. I had to do some decisions faster when I have the puck, I maybe have to chip that puck over the blue line and stuff like that.

“It has been more physical than in Europe, but no problem. Maybe one or two (big hits) but no worries.”

The Jets selected him in the seventh round (198th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft.

He received the good news from Manitoba head coach Pascal Vincent after the team’s 5-4 loss Saturday to the Toronto Marlies.

“He told me that I really deserve that and congratulations,” said Niku, whose family visited Canada a month ago but won’t be back for his debut. “My defensive game has improved a lot, actually, so it’s the biggest thing why I have played so good.”

Laine and Joel Armia now have another member on the team’s Finnish force.

“It’s pretty amazing to get another Finnish guy in the locker room. He’s been awesome with the Moose and he’s totally earned this,” said Laine. “Hopefully, he’s enjoying this and seeing what it’s like to be here every day. I’m excited for him.”

Maurice said all reports from the Moose coaching staff suggest the young man — who turned heads at the Young Stars tournament in Penticton, B.C., last fall — is well-prepared for the NHL game.

“The numbers are exceptionally impressive and his game has developed over the course of the year. Really good-skating, puck-moving defenceman. We’re interested in seeing him play in an NHL game and up the pace,” he said.

“He’s clearly gained some confidence in his play over the course of the year, as you would with those kind of numbers. You feel good with the puck and you make a lot of things happen. Learning the pro game, especially coming over from Europe, takes some time, but he’s made some really good strides in that department.”

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There’s a good chance goalie Steve Mason will get the start Tuesday against the Canadiens.

The 29-year-old Oakville, Ont., product hasn’t played since March 6 when he shut out the New York Rangers in a 3-0 Winnipeg victory before coming down with a knee problem. That start was his first in almost two months after suffering his second concussion of the year.

Mason has been a full participant in practice for more than a week.

“We want to make sure when he comes back to the rink (Tuesday) that he feels sharp, but you’ll see him soon,” offered Maurice.

Eric Comrie will back up goalie Connor Hellebuyck in Ottawa.

jason.bell@freepress.mb.ca  

Twitter: @WFPJasonBell