As the Winnipeg Jets prepare for the upcoming Olympic break, the team has reassigned defensemen Isaak Phillips and Elias Salomonsson to their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. These moves aim to reinforce the Moose’s defensive lineup and maintain player readiness during the NHL pause.
Player Roles and Season Performance Overview
Elias Salomonsson, a 21-year-old and 2022 second-round draft pick, stands out as one of Winnipeg’s promising defensive prospects. This season, he has appeared in 25 AHL contests playing a significant role while also participating in 13 NHL games. On the NHL ice, Salomonsson averages nearly 17 minutes per game, occasionally being trusted with penalty-killing duties.
Isaak Phillips, 24, is completing his first full season with the Jets since joining the team in January of last year. Positioned lower on the defensive depth chart than Salomonsson, Phillips has featured in only two NHL games this season. However, he has provided solid contributions in the AHL, tallying 15 points in 35 games, ranking third in scoring among Moose defensemen.
Strategic Benefits Ahead of the Olympic Break
The Manitoba Moose currently hold third place in the AHL Central Division. The reassignment of Phillips and Salomonsson is designed to strengthen Manitoba’s blue line, enhancing their chances of climbing to second place, presently occupied by the Chicago Wolves. This effort demonstrates the Jets organization’s focus on developing talent and maximizing roster depth across both leagues as the season progresses.
These reassignments highlight the Jets’ strategy to balance immediate NHL needs with long-term player development, all while adapting to the unique scheduling challenges of the Olympic break.
TRANSACTIONS: The #NHLJets have loaned D – Isaak Phillips and D – Elias Salomonsson to the Manitoba Moose (AHL).
— Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) February 5, 2026
