At the end of May we learned that Jets 2017 1st rounder Kristian Vesalainen would be heading back overseas signing with Malmö for the 2022-23 season to play in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
Photo Credit: Alexander James (Illegal Curve)
Vesalainen is an RFA and if the Jets want to retain control they would be required to tender him a qualifying offer even though he won’t be playing in North America next season.
According to Ken Wiebe of Sportsnet following the GM meetings in Montreal at the Draft this afternoon GM Kevin Cheveldayoff confirmed that the team would qualify Vesalainen. Here was his quote from Wieber:
“said he understands the decision Kristian Vesalainen made to sign overseas. Cheveldayoff said the Jets will be extending a qualifying offer to Vesalainen to retain the rights to the 2017 first-rounder.”
If he ever returns to North America one would suspect it comes by way of a trade from the Jets organization.
