The Winnipeg Jets have recalled reigning AHL Rookie of the Year Mason Appleton from the Manitoba Moose. He has 18 points, including 8 goals, in 19 games this year.
#NHLJets have recalled RW Mason Appleton, 22, from @ManitobaMoose. Second-year pro leads #AHL club with 8 g and 18 pts in 19 gp. #WFP
— Mike Sawatzky (@sawa14) November 26, 2018
This move indicates that Andrew Copp will be out for a bit and the Jets want to have an extra forward in the press box as it is flu season. It is also possible that Brendan Lemieux comes out of the lineup for Appleton on the fourth line.
Appleton was the AHL Rookie of the Year last year and was not called up. This year he started the season in the AHL and has picked up where he left off. Much like with Sami Niku, it would benefit him to be given some playing time. It would also allow the Jets to see what Appleton is capable of, even if it is over a small sample size.
If Appleton does join the lineup, it would make the most sense to play him on the fourth line with Nic Petan and Jack Roslovic. All three players are offensively inclined and with Mathieu Perreault joining Adam Lowry and Brandon Tanev in Copp’s absence, he would be the best replacement on that line. However, he might just become Sami Niku’s best friend in the press box.
