The Winnipeg Jets, already thin on the blue line and with Dustin Byfuglien's future up in the air, made a curious move today by sending 1st rounder Ville Heinola down to the AHL's Manitoba Moose.
The move seems to be motivated by the Jets' unwillingness to burn the first year of Heinola's entry-level contract, but still strange considering their current situation. Heinola played incredibly well for an 18-year-old taken 20th overall in this year's draft, scoring a goal to go with four assists and a +3 rating. The Jets took their time making the decision, as his ninth game would have burned his first year eligibility, so they did make him a healthy scratch for two games before making the difficult decision.
Heinola is eligible to play in the AHL, unlike Kirby Dach, because despite being only 18, he completed a season in the Finnish Liiga, which is a recognized major adult league. His season with Lukko in the Liiga produced 14 points in 34 games.
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