Back in the summer of 2019, Joona Luoto was an undrafted forward from Tampere, Finland when the Jets signed him to a three-year, two-way contract. Luoto is of course from the same hometown as 2016 second overall pick Patrik Laine which maybe explains who gave the Jets the inside scoop as they were childhood friends.
Luoto played 16 games for the Jets earlier this season (no points) and has played in 18 games for the Moose (four assists). He has missed the last few games for the Moose on the road and was seen in a sling this weekend which didn’t bode well.
Today I spoke to Moose head coach Pascal Vincent who informed me that Luoto “is out for the season. Needed surgery. Upper body. So he’s not going to return for the season.”
Tough break for the 22 year old winger.