The Winnipeg Jets have claimed defenceman Carl Dahlstrom off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks. Bob McKenzie was among the first to break the news via Twitter.
Waivers: Dahlstrom from CHI to WPG and Comrie from WPG to ARI.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 1, 2019
Carl Dahlstrom Headed to the Winnipeg Jets via Waivers
Chicago drafted Dahlstrom in the second round of the 2013 NHL Draft. The 6’4″ Swede spent most of the time since then playing overseas or for the Blackhawks AHL affiliate in Rockford. He made his debut in 2017-18 and has since appeared in 49 games with Chicago. Last year Dahlstrom contributed six points, all assists, in 38 games while playing fewer than 19 minutes each game.
Winnipeg is likely adding Dahlstrom while they wait to see what happens with veteran defenceman Dustin Byfuglien. Byfuglien is currently on a leave of absence from the team to work out some personal matters. Dahlstrom gives the Jets more flexibility on their blue line next to players including Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk.
Dahlstrom’s production doesn’t jump off the page but he did improve his advanced numbers in 2018-19. His Relative Corsi improved from -5.9 the previous season to -2.1 last year. There isn’t much proof that Dahlstrom can score with just 47 points in 160 games with Rockford but he can do other things just fine. He contributed 33 hits and blocked 35 shots last year.
Adding Dahlstrom not only indicates Byfuglien missing part of the season but that young options Sami Niku and Ville Heinola won’t be used heavily right away. Both are still on entry-level deals and exempt from waivers. Winnipeg’s defence doesn’t look particularly strong right now, so Dahlstrom adds an element of toughness to the blue line if he can improve his puck skills enough to stay on the ice.
Winnipeg’s season opens on Thursday, where they’ll face off against the New York Rangers. If he is in Winnipeg’s lineup consistently, Dahlstrom will get the chance to face off against the Blackhawks on October 12, in Chicago.
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