Zach Nolan

While the November 26th game between the Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals began with a celebration of Alex Ovechkin’s latest milestones, it also marked a notable accomplishment for top Winnipeg Jets top defence prospect Elias Salomonsson. The 21-year-old made his highly anticipated NHL debut in the Jets’ 4-3 loss to Washington. Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve) On Tuesday, Salomonsson told reporters he’d spent “many years” dreaming of this moment, ever since he was a kid watching games on TV. “I think every kid dreams of that. A lot of excitement for sure,” said Salomonsson. His parents couldn’t make the trip from Sweden, but watched from back home in Skelleftea. His girlfriend was able to be in attendance. Salomonsson logged 16:18 in Wednesday night’s game, was on for a couple of goals against, had two hits, and one blocked shot. He also gave folks insight into how clean his game can be regardless of league with his ability to kill plays in the defensive zone and make a quick stretch pass up the ice. “A lot of nerves, but I think you settle in as the game went on. Was a lot of fun to play,” he said in his postgame interview. Jets head coach Scott Arniel paired the rookie with veteran Dylan Samberg, a steady defensive presence who has been an NHL regular since 2022-23. “This is a tough building, that’s a tough team, that’s a tough game to come into. I thought he held his own,” Arniel said. Journey to the Show Drafted 55th overall in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Salomonsson is the third prospect from the Jets’ 2022 class to reach the NHL, following Brad Lambert and Rutger McGroarty. After being drafted, Salomonsson continued his development in the SHL with Skelleftea, spending three seasons with the club and winning the Le Mat Trophy as league champions. Over his SHL seasons, he recorded 16 points in 69 games. He also earned silver at the 2024 World Juniors, representing Sweden alongside fellow Jets prospect Fabian Wagner. Salomonsson joined the Manitoba Moose for the 2024-25 AHL season, where he posted five goals and 22 assists for 27 points in 53 games. He was named an AHL All-Star, represented the Moose at the event, and earned the team’s Rookie of the Year award despite missing time due to injury. Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve) “It was a fun year for me, course new experience for me playing in North America, smaller rink,” said Salomonsson of his first pro season. “I think I got better as the season went on. Think the injury was unfortunate, but I actually felt better after it.” Moose head coach Mark Morrison and former assistant coach Eric Dubois both praised his year and noted how strong he looked after returning from injury. His progress also drew the attention of Jets management. General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff spoke highly of Salomonsson during the Jets’ 2025-26 exit interviews. “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 said. “(Elias) had an exceptional year.” Salomonsson didn’t make the Jets out of training camp this season and began the year with the Moose, collecting six points in 17 games. But with injuries to Haydn Fleury and Neal Pionk, Winnipeg called him up on Tuesday. He didn’t “score a goal” as he had hoped for his debut, but he took his first significant step toward what could become a very successful NHL career.

Illegal Curve Hockey

Zach Nolan

Stories By Zach Nolan

Columns

From childhood dream to NHL debut: Jets prospect Elias Salomonsson’s moment arrived in Washington

Subscribe to Podcast