Canadian sports news: Winnipeg Jets defenceman Elias Salomonsson is away from the team for personal reasons, head coach Scott Arniel announced Saturday, with no timetable for his return.
By Maplestime Sports Desk | Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 7, 2026
Sources: Illegal Curve Hockey, TSN | Last updated: November 7, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Arniel opened his post practice media availability Saturday by announcing Salomonsson is away from the team dealing with a personal matter.
- The head coach gave no timetable for the 22 year old defenceman’s return and asked for privacy for Salomonsson.
- The news lands just as Josh Morrissey nears a return from injured reserve, with the Jets hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday.
- Salomonsson was recalled from the Manitoba Moose on October 24 after missing training camp and the preseason while recovering from April shoulder surgery.
What Arniel Said
Arniel did not wait for questions. He opened his media availability after Saturday’s practice with the Salomonsson update, and he kept it short.
“Elias Salomonsson won’t be with us right now. He’ll be away, he’s got some personal issues he’ll be looking at. There’s no timetable on that. Just respect his privacy on that situation.”
That was the full update. No return date, no further detail, and a clear ask that Salomonsson’s privacy be respected while he is away. Hockey takes a back seat in a moment like this, and the Jets will have to manage without one of their young defencemen for as long as it takes.
A Blow Just as the Blue Line Was Healing
The timing stings because Winnipeg looked close to getting healthy on defence. Josh Morrissey, out since the wrist injury he suffered on October 7, skated in a regular sweater at Saturday’s practice, TSN reported, as he inches toward a return from injured reserve. Morrissey has three assists in four games this season.
Salomonsson’s absence now opens a hole on the same blue line Morrissey is working his way back to. The Jets are 6-8-3 after Thursday’s 6-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks, and they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday at Canada Life Centre.
Salomonsson’s Season So Far
Salomonsson, 22, was recalled from the Manitoba Moose on October 24 after the Jets lost Jack St. Ivany to the Washington Capitals off waivers. The Swedish defenceman missed training camp and the preseason while recovering from shoulder surgery in April, then worked his way back through the Moose before the recall.
Last season he played 32 games with Winnipeg, scoring a goal and five points, and 29 games with Manitoba, with a goal and nine points. He is the kind of young, mobile defenceman the Jets were counting on for depth while their blue line dealt with injuries. Now that depth gets tested again, and the team has given no indication of a corresponding roster move yet.
Maplestime will provide updates from the Jets as announcements are made.
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Do you think the Jets have the depth on defence to hold the line while Salomonsson is away? Tell us in the comments. And share this with every Canadian following the Jets this weekend.
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