VESALAINEN’S STATUS WITH JETS UNSETTLED
Kristian Vesalainen and the Winnipeg Jets find themselves in what appears to be a bit of an unusual and perhaps uncomfortable position right now.
It would probably be a stretch to say the two sides are at odds, but the situation doesn’t seem to be optimal for either party either.
The only thing that’s become abundantly clear is that nobody really has any interest in talking about where things stand or what the resolution might be.
Word of Friday’s recall to the Winnipeg Jets created a bit of a stir, mostly because it came one day after reports out of Finland suggested Vesalainen could be on the verge of exercising his out clause to return to Europe.
Vesalainen’s hometown team, Jokerit, made a move last week to acquire his Kontinental Hockey League rights, which makes perfect sense, especially if there was a chance he was going to become available.
Some eyebrows were raised when it took longer than many people expected for Vesalainen to sign his entry-level deal with the Jets this summer after it was widely reported he would spend this season playing in North America.
When you couple that with the out clause that allows the Jets’ top forward prospect to return to Europe this season (and only this season) if he’s not an NHL regular, there was always a chance a situation like this could arise.
Vesalainen skated with the Jets on Sunday for the first time since the recall, but he was an extra forward (along with Brendan Lemieux) and isn’t expected to suit up on Monday as the Jets open a four-game road trip against the Vancouver Canucks.
Jets head coach Paul Maurice isn’t sure when Vesalainen will get his next chance to play an NHL game.
“We’re going on the road to play four (games) in six (days), so he’s an option for us,” Maurice told reporters. “I don’t have an expectation of it either way. I don’t have a game pencilled in for him or for (Lemieux), and they may both be playing in Calgary (on Wednesday).”
Vesalainen was asked about the rumours swirling around by members of the media on Sunday and didn’t provide any clarity.
How close were you to using your out-clause?
“I don’t know,” Vesalainen told reporters.
Was there any truth to the reports that Vesalainen might potentially be joining Jokerit? “I don’t know,” he said. Vesalainen has the right to keep his opinion to himself, and that’s consistent with how he’s handled the topic since it was raised for the first time during training camp.
It’s not uncommon for European players to gain experience playing overseas and return when they’re more ready to make an impact.
This isn’t a decision that needs to be rushed, as the gifted forward could choose to return to Europe at any time this season if he’s not an NHL regular.
However, finding some clarity in this situation before it drags out too long would benefit all of the parties involved.