Or just put him on waivers and if he passes have him play in the AHL

Niku may have asked for his release, if he wants to play overseas.

He’s on unconditional waivers for purpose of contract termination. So likely that he’s bought out, or does the contract terminate with no cap penalty? If they’re buying him out that doesn’t make a ton of sense, because like you said he could’ve just been picked up on waivers or play in the AHL.

IMO this is likely, with contract termination is there a cap penalty? Because it seems like this could be mutual.

Oh he actually did get bought out… missed that

I don't believe there's any penalty with a mutually agreed upon termination.

He is on unconditional waivers, no penalty attached with those.

Or maybe not...

Sami Niku is hoping for a fresh start with another NHL team after having his #NHLJets contract mutually terminated. Europe isn't his focus at the moment.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 20, 2021

Had a feeling this could also be the case. Jets are usually very reasonable in situations like this. They knew he had no future in Winnipeg, and knew if placed on waivers he’d had 0 choice as to where he lands. So they mutually terminate so he can choose where he goes. Nice guy Chevy.



Perfect



Mutual termination so no cap penalty.

Montreal should definitely look at at least a PTO IMO, exactly the type of player we need next to Chiarot or Romanov on the 2nd or 3rd pairing. Line up

Edmundson-Petry
Romanov-Savard
Chiarot-Niku

Kulak

and send Wideman to the AHL

Being on a one way contract likely killed any interest in Niku. After two seasons of reduced/lost revenues, I'm sure most teams are much more budget conscious than they used to be. A $750K hit in the AHL isn't ideal. If Niku signs with another team, I'd be shocked if it isn't a two way contract.

Maybe he lands in Columbus with Pascal Vincent (who coached him in the AHL) now behind the bench.

This is true. He was on a 1 way deal and that likely swayed any teams away from a trade or waiver pickup. Likely signs a 2 way deal.

He lost out on quite a bit of $$.

Yeah unfortunately. I just hope he gets an opportunity to play somewhere. He has the offensive talent to be a PP 2 and 4-5 guy.

Arizona probs gonna grab him if they decide hes worth a look. If not off to Liiga