Heinola And Gustafsson Get New Numbers (And Other Roster Moves)

During the preseason, rookie defenseman Ville Heinola wore number 36 while rookie forward David Gustafsson had 41 on his back.

In a sure sign that both have earned spots on the Winnipeg Jets, today the club announced both players are getting new jersey numbers. Heinola switches to 14 – a number he wore in Lukko and the Finnish national team – while Gustafsson has settled with 19. (Gustafsson has worn 27 mostly but that number of course is taken)

Both Heinola and Gustafsson have had outstanding camps and have earned their way on to the team. It’s uncertain how many games either player will have with the Jets. It’s entire possible both players are being used as quick fixes as Gustafsson takes a roster spot left open by an injury to Bryan Little while Heinola occupies a spot that would be filled by Sami Niku.

Little was injured in yesterday’s preseason game against the Wild on a dangerous hit to the head. He’s currently being evaluated and we’ll likely know more on his status Tuesday when the team gets back in the ice for practice. Niku has been dealing with a groin issue and could be day-to-day.

The Jets currently have 24 players on the main roster and need to get to 23 by mid-day Tuesday.

In other roster moves, the Jets assigned five players to the AHL Manitoba Moose: Goaltender Eric Comrie, defenseman Nelson Nogier and forward JC Lipton were all placed on waivers and will need to clear before being assigned to the Moose outright. Forwards CJ Suess and Joona Luoto were directly assigned directly to the AHL club, not needing to clear waivers.