Report: Jets place F Joona Luoto on unconditional waivers

With training camps slated to open next week, fans can already cross off one skater that won’t receive an invite from the Winnipeg Jets, as they placed forward @Joona Luoto on unconditional waivers Monday.

Luoto, 23, was set to enter the final season of his $2.27 million, entry-level contract in 2021-22, but is now expected to have his deal terminated, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

After appearing in 16 NHL games with the Jets in 2019-20, Luoto split last season between the AHL and the Finnish Elite League. In total, the left-hander participated in 30 combined games during his time with the Manitoba Moose and HIFK.

Given his connections to his home country of Finland, there’s a pretty strong indication Luoto will return to Liiga on a full-time basis this season.

Winnipeg is scheduled to open its regular season schedule against the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 13.