‘If you only have one functional knee, it doesn’t get you up to speed’

Nino Niederreiter called it the equivalent of playing on one leg.

Whether you’ve played one NHL game or more than 1,000 — like Niederreiter has — it’s not hard to quantify just how big a difference it is to be at full health. And after a season of reaching the millennium mark and suiting up for Switzerland at the 2026 Olympics, the Swiss forward is noticeably moving with a lot more spring in his step in what is his 16th NHL training camp.

Limited to just 61 games last season, Niederreiter’s production was also way down, with eight goals and 19 points — his lowest total since recording one goal in 55 games during his first full season with the New York Islanders in 2011-12.

“I mean, the biggest thing was definitely health,” said Niederreiter. “I mean, if you only have one functional knee, it doesn’t get you up to speed. So that’s something which I know I had a chance to repair and recover from. So, I feel great out there. So that’s something which I know I’m going to be better at.”

Where did Niederreiter notice the injury most?

“Definitely on the battle side, along the walls, and definitely up to speed,” he explained. “There’s certain times you were hesitant going into the battles and you try to protect one knee using the other knee more often, and yeah, maybe you could see it from the outside, maybe you don’t, but it’s definitely something which is in the back of your head.”

Since being acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators, Niederreiter has spent the bulk of his time on a line with captain Adam Lowry.

During the first two days of camp, Niederreiter has been skating with Brayden Yager and Alex Iafallo while Morgan Barron and Brad Lambert are with Lowry.

Some could interpret that as a sign the veteran winger is in a battle for ice time, though Niederreiter has been around long enough not to take anything for granted.

“Absolutely,” said Niederreiter, who has generated six seasons of 20 goals or more (including playoffs) and has totalled 248 regular-season goals and 499 regular-season points. “Obviously, the older you get, the more uncertain your position is going to be. And I mean, even if it was my first training camp or the one I’m doing right now, it just feels the same way. (You’ve) got to make sure you earn your spot, and that’s what I’m here to do.”

A condensed training camp means a shorter runway to get up to speed, but Niederreiter doesn’t see that as a detriment.

“Definitely it’s an advantage for the guys who have been here for a while to know exactly how to prepare yourself to get there,” he said. “Make sure you get ready as quick as you can and be ready for the season.

“It was a different approach when it comes to rehabbing the knee a little bit. But overall, I mean, you have to try and get the speed going. You’ve got to make sure you’re mentally ready for whatever comes.”

Niederreiter, who turned 34 earlier this month, is entering the final year of the three-year pact he signed that carries an average annual value of US$4 million — which means the stakes are high for someone with 1,030 NHL games and counting on his resumé.

“There are certain things that are under your control, and certain things there aren’t,” he said. “And as cliché as it sounds, but you just got to go out there, play the best you can, and hopefully can earn another year.”

Jets head coach Scott Arniel has already noticed a difference with Niederreiter in the early stages of training camp.

“Health is number one. Obviously he went through all of last year with an issue and had his surgery and had a long five months to get ready for now,” said Arniel. “You can see it, he does look a little bit better. I think in your head, if you do feel better about your body, it helps you relax the body and go play. I think just talking to him, that’s what he’s feeling right now.”

Niederreiter is one of many Jets who are looking for a bounce-back season after dealing with the combination of poor health and limited production.

“He didn’t have the pop in his skating and things like that (last season). But after a good summer, it looks like he came back and is feeling good,” said Lowry. “When he’s at his best, he’s taking pucks to the net, he’s got great hands around the net, he’s got a good shot and he’s a consistent 20-goal guy. We expect a lot of guys to have a rebound and it would be no different to expect that from Nino.”

Niederreiter reiterated his belief in the group, even without goalie Connor Hellebuyck — who remains suspended and is expected to be traded.

“We definitely lost a big part of our (team) this year,” said Niederreiter. “But at the same time, we brought a few guys in. The young guys are competing out there, so it’s nice to see. And I mean, it definitely wasn’t our year last year. There were a lot of injuries, a lot of ups and downs, (and) a couple slides during the year, which didn’t go our way.

“But overall, I mean, we came off a Presidents’ Trophy the year before that, last year was a bump in the road, and I know we can be back better this year.”

The Jets open the exhibition season on Saturday night in Edmonton against the Oilers and Arniel said it will predominantly be a younger lineup, which will include 2026 first-rounder Viggo Bjorck and fellow forward Yager, while Thomas Milic is expected to get the start between the pipes.

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