NHL Rumors: Jets Former First-Round Pick Done In Winnipeg

According to Johan Svensson of Expressen, Winnipeg Jets forward Kristian Vesalainen is expected to sign a contract with the Malmo Redhawks of the Swedish Hockey League for the 2022-23 season.

Vesalainen has made appearances in three seasons with the Jets but has yet to take that next step in his development. The 2021-22 campaign was particularly unimpressive from the 2017 first-round pick, as he had two goals and an assist in 53 games. Due to this, the 22-year-old has not been able to cement himself a permanent role on the team.

If Svensson's report is true and Vesalainen heads overseas, the Jets can still retain his NHL rights by sending him a qualifying offer. With this, they would have control over him if he decided to make an NHL comeback later down the road. Yet, this is definitely not what the Jets envisioned when they selected him with the 24th overall pick back in 2017. Alas, let's see if joining Malmo is just what the young winger needs to get back on track.