The Winnipeg Jets have made the necessary roster changes following a blockbuster trade that sent Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils. To open space for the two roster players included in the return, Winnipeg has moved forward Vladislav Namestnikov to injured reserve and placed defenseman Jack St. Ivany on waivers.
Namestnikov’s IR placement will be retroactive to his last game on October 15th, making him eligible to return as soon as he’s back to full health. He is out week-to-week with an undisclosed injury after crashing into the boards during practice.
In a corresponding move, Winnipeg has also assigned Brayden Yager to the AHL. Yager filled in for Namestnikov in one game of the Jets’ recent two-game road-trip.
He managed no scoring. The 21 year old leads the Manitoba Moose – the AHL’s highest-scoring offense – in scoring with nine points in six games.
He is the team’s top-line center when in the minors and should return to that slot ahead of two games this weekend.
Namestnikov scored one point in six games before his injury. He continued to serve as a depth forward in Winnipeg’s lineup, the same role that led him to 14 points in 60 games last season.
He was slightly more productive in his first two seasons in Winnipeg – notching 37 and 38 points respectively. A bid of good health could help Namestnikov climb back to those scoring heights.
Hitting the waiver wire is St. Ivany, who has played four games with the Jets this season. He has recorded no scoring, five shot blocks, and six hits – while averaging 13:31 in ice time.
Winnipeg acquired St. Ivany in a June trade that sent forward David Gustafsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins. St. Ivany split the last three seasons between Pittsburgh’s NHL and AHL rosters.
He totaled nine points in 53 NHL games, and 59 points in 99 AHL games, over that span with the Penguins. The career depth-defender is a solid bet to clear waivers and offer another boost to the Manitoba lineup.