Latest on the recoveries of Winnipeg Jets prospects Elias Salomonsson and Nikita Chibrikov

When the Winnipeg Jets’ 2025-26 season came to an end, two prospects were not assigned to the Manitoba Moose for their Calder Cup playoff run: defenceman Elias Salomonsson and winger Nikita Chibrikov. Salomonsson was still recovering from the concussion he suffered in Dallas on April 2 after taking a reverse hit from Jason Robertson. Chibrikov, meanwhile, had an issue discovered during the team’s exit medicals, leaving the organization to determine whether he could play through it or if surgery would be necessary.

Ten days later, Moose head coach Mark Morrison confirmed that Chibrikov would not be available for the playoffs and was done for the season. The Jets later announced that Chibrikov had undergone successful core muscle surgery and was expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

The Moose did receive a boost on the blue line ahead of their opening-round series when Salomonsson was loaned to Manitoba. He initially returned in a yellow, non-contact jersey before eventually dressing for Games 2 and 3 of the best-of-three series, both Moose victories. However, late in the third period of the deciding game, Salomonsson attempted to deliver what appeared to be a routine neutral-zone hit which resulted in his sliding awkwardly into the boards, suffering another injury.

The news was significant, with the Jets later announcing that Salomonsson had undergone successful shoulder surgery and was expected to require five to six months of rehabilitation.

Roughly two months later, prior to the NHL Draft, we asked Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff for updates on both prospects.

“I think Chibby should be back to full go here as far as doing his summer training and everything like that. With Sal, everything seems to be progressing along as well. He’ll have a checkup at some point in time here soon, I don’t know exactly the date but the good thing about him is he’ll still be able to do lots of lower-body training and those type of things. I think everything is progressing as expected with him.”

Chibrikov appears to be back to full health and should be ready to compete for an NHL roster spot when training camp opens this fall. Salomonsson, meanwhile, continues to progress from shoulder surgery and will look to build toward his return whenever he is medically cleared. Once healthy, he should also factor into Winnipeg’s plans as the organization evaluates its options on the blue line.