Moose defenceman Elias Salomonsson garnering Jets’ attention

The Winnipeg Jets spent the past couple of days sharing optimism for the future following their loss to the Dallas Stars in the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

That future remains bright. Much of the core is signed to long-term contracts, and if exit interviews made anything clear, the drive to win the Stanley Cup can’t be extinguished.   

That dream, however, requires constant building. Rosters are never identical year-over-year, and good organizations keep their prospect pool nourished. Even when teams may not have their full complement of draft selections. 

On Wednesday, Moose defenceman Elias Salomonsson garnered some attention from Kevin Cheveldayoff, as the Jets general manager shared a glance at the future of his squad.

“We’re excited, and I think if he has a really good summer, he’s someone who could force us to make some big decisions,” Cheveldayoff told the assembled media. 

Drafted in the second round, 55th overall by the Jets in 2022, Salomonsson crossed the pond for his first professional season in North America during the 2024-25 campaign. He suited up for 53 games with the Moose, scoring 27 points (5G, 22A), and earning a trip to the AHL All-Star Classic in Coachella Valley in February. For his efforts, Salomonsson was honoured as Manitoba’s top defenceman and took home the club’s Rookie of the Year Award. 

The Swedish defenceman previously skated for his hometown club, Skellefteå AIK, where he played at a multitude of levels, including 69 games in the SHL, the top flight of Swedish hockey. 

The change in scenery forced Salomonsson to adapt to a different style of play. Yet, the 20-year-old showed this season why he’s held in such high regard, earning high praise from Jets management. 

“(Elias) had an exceptional year,” Cheveldayoff added. “Not surprisingly, but again, we’ve been talking about him for years in different settings like this, and we feel that we have a really good one there.” 

Jets Head Coach Scott Arniel has his ears equally perked up over what Salomonsson brings to the table. Two years ago, the prospect was contractually tied to Skellefteå and couldn’t remain with the Moose past training camp. Cheveldayoff recalled Arniel, then the assistant coach in charge of the Jets defence, asking if Cheveldayoff was sure there was no way to keep Salomonsson around, signalling keen interest in the early stages.  

Happy with what they’ve seen so far, there’s plenty of development to come for Salomonsson, and the Jets won’t rush through the process with the youngster. 

“You’re very fortunate as an organization when you have the ability to let the players show you that they’re ready as opposed to having to put them in a situation and hope that they’re ready,” Cheveldayoff said. “We talk about this with the players that we want them here for a long time, not just a quick minute. You want to be a long-time pro.” 

See the next generation of Winnipeg Jets stars in action as they chase their dream of playing in the NHL. For more information on the benefits of becoming a Moose ticket member or to purchase a membership for the 2025-26 season, visit moosehockey.com.