Sal raring to suit up with his Moose pals

Elias Salomonsson isn’t holding a grudge, he’s viewing his time in concussion protocol — and the reason behind it — as a valuable learning opportunity.

As the Winnipeg Jets top defence prospect spoke to the media for the first time since being on the receiving end of a reverse hit that knocked him out of the final seven games of the NHL season, Salomonsson made it clear he had no issue whatsoever with the check Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson delivered in the second period of a game on April 2.

“It was a good hit. I have nothing bad to say about the hit,” said Salomonsson, who was loaned to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League on Wednesday but wasn’t in the lineup for Game 1 of the Calder Cup playoffs against the Milwaukee Admirals. “I just wasn’t ready for it, so it’s a learning lesson for me, for sure.”

This was the first concussion Salomonsson has dealt with during his hockey career and working his way through the symptoms brought some challenges, though he passed his baseline test on Tuesday and was removed from concussion protocol.

“It’s not fun. There were a couple of days where you don’t feel that good and a couple of days when you feel better,” said Salomonsson. “It’s been frustrating, but I’m glad that I’m feeling good right now.

“It’s about time. I’m just trying to work my way back on the ice and get my conditioning back.”

Salomonsson was in a non-contact jersey as the Moose held an optional morning skate, but he plans to be a full participant on Thursday and is hopeful to be in the lineup for Game 2 against the Admirals on Friday

Salomonsson’s progression was one of the success stories for the Jets during what turned out to be a disappointing season overall.

There were some bumps in the road for Salomonsson as he got into his first NHL action in late November and early December, appearing in four games before he was returned to the Moose.

After returning to the Jets in mid-January, Salomonsson showed a bit more polish, exuding confidence while using his agility and skating ability, often handling Top-4 minutes on a shutdown pairing with Dylan Samberg.

“I felt more comfortable in the second stint there,” said Salomonsson, who had one goal and five points with the Jets and one goal and nine points in 29 games with the Moose. “It was pretty smooth for me. My skating is my strength. Definitely, the game slowed down a bit and, when you’re more confident, you feel like you have more time. So, that was a big change.”

As happy as he was with his personal development, Salomonsson said that the toll of a compressed season made it clear to him that he must continue to work hard on his body during the off-season to withstand the rigours of the soon-to-be 84-game schedule.

Salomonsson skated alongside Josh Morrissey for a couple of periods on what could be a pairing that spends time together down the road.

“He’s a great player, someone I’m trying to learn a lot from, (with) how he handles himself on and off the ice,” said Salomonsson, noting he asked Morrissey a lot of questions as he made the transition to the NHL level. “It was a lot of fun and, hopefully, we can play more (together) in the future.”

While the timing of his injury was unfortunate, as getting closer to a half season of NHL games would have been a big benefit, this opportunity to get into some playoff action should serve as a bonus for what has been a strong season for Salomonsson.

“It means a lot. (32 games in the NHL) was more than I expected this year,” said Salomonsson, who was chosen by the Jets in the second round (55th overall) of the 2022 draft. “I had more opportunity and I took advantage of that opportunity and did a decent job there.”

The last time Salomonsson appeared in the playoffs, he helped Skelleftea AIK capture the Swedish Hockey League championship, logging important minutes as a 19-year-old.

He’s hoping to lean on that experience whenever he gets tapped on the shoulder by Moose head coach Mark Morrison to suit up.

“It’s exciting. We’ve got a good group here and we can go on a run and do something special,” said Salomonsson. “I’m just going to take my confidence with me, go out there and have fun.”

The mere presence of Salomonsson around the group provided a boost, even if he wasn’t in the lineup.

“We’re so happy to see guys graduate and go to the NHL,” said Moose defenceman Tyrel Bauer. “That’s your dream and it’s what we’re all working for. (Salomonsson) earned it. He’s a great kid, a really good player. Watching him excel at the NHL level, not even just to be able to hold his own, but to excel and push the pace, it’s exciting for our group and we’re happy to have him back.”

Moose forward David Gustafsson also expressed his pride in what Salomonsson has already accomplished, but knows the mobile blue-liner is determined to make a contribution to the group he’s spent a good chunk of two seasons with before the last promotion to the Jets.

“It was great to see. I thought he played really good up there,” said Gustafsson. “As a fellow Swede, I always wish him the best. It’s really nice that we get him back here to finish off the playoffs with us. He’s going to have a long and really good career.”

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