Jets Send Axel Jonsson-Fjallby to Moose Through Waivers

The Winnipeg Jets have managed to dodge a bullet with forward Axel Jonsson-Fjallby. On Monday morning, Jets head coach Rick Bowness announced that the team reluctantly placed Jonsson-Fjallby on Waivers for the purpose of being sent down to the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose. And for reasons unknown, he went unclaimed. With Mason Appleton back in the lineup following his lengthy stint on the injured reserve - as well as Dylan DeMelo recovering from his short-term ailment (out since January 26) - the team needed to make room for the injured parties to return. “We’ve had to put Axel on waivers,” Bowness said on Monday following Jets practice. “That’s a move we do not want to make. Axel has done everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s been a great teammate. He’s helped us get to where we are today. But we’re only allowed to have 23 bodies here. It’s an unfortunate move that we’re forced to make. We’re hoping we don’t lose him selfishly. He’s been a very strong part of our hockey club.” Passing through Waivers unclaimed means that Jonsson-Fjallby will be able to report to the Moose and join fellow Jets Dominic Toninato and Jansen Harkins with the minor league club, effective immediately. Winnipeg originally acquired the 25-year-old Swede via a Waiver claim from the Washington Capitals in early-October, to which the Capitals cut both he and Brett Leason - also claimed - prior to opening night. Washington was the only team that would actually have been able to send Jonsson-Fjallby directly to the minors without placing him on Waivers once again. But again, they chose not to put in a claim - unbeknownst to most. Washington originally lost Jonsson-Fjallby via Waivers last year during training camp to Buffalo, but one week later, the Sabres placed him back on Waivers, where the Capitals picked him right back up and sent him to the Hershey Bears. This season, Jonsson-Fjallby has skated in 45 of Winnipeg's 53 games, scoring four times and adding seven assists for 11 points in a bottom-six role. The Jets face off against Seattle on Tuesday night in Manitoba. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM central time at Canada Life Centre. The game can be viewed live on TSN.