Axel Jonsson-Fjallby has made his way north of the border to Winnipeg, Manitoba. The long-time Capitals forward prospect was waived by the team on Sunday.
Jonason-Fjallby met with the Winnipeg media for the first time following his first workout with the Jets on Thursday. He was asked about his reaction when he found out he was claimed by Winnipeg.
“I was super excited, when I got the news, right after the (waivers) deadline. I mean, getting claimed, I was claimed last year, too. You’re just happy because that means the team believes in you. And you’re on your way to go to the AHL and then you get a new chance somewhere else. Yeah, I’m super excited to be here.”
Axel said he sees more opportunity in Winnipeg than in Washington.
“Yeah. Just like I said, them picking me up. Giving me a chance to start the season, and show what I got. Just gives me a confidence boost, that I feel like I needed. I can focus on my game.”
Jonsson-Jallby was drafted by the Capitals in the 5th round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He was waived and claimed by the Buffalo Sabres last season, but subsequently waived by Buffalo because of work visa issues and reclaimed by the Capitals before the start of the 2021-22 season.
Jonsson-Fjallby will not play Friday, John Lu of TSN reports. He will need a couple of more practices with the Jets according to coach Rick Bowness. He is expected to play in Dallas on Monday.
He will wear the number 71 for the Jets.
By Jon Sorensen
BIG, BIG loss in losing this guy especially for the 3rd or 4th lines down the road. Lets cross our fingers and hope that the Jets end up not having room for him and we can get him back. He has the potential to be better than Hagelin, MoJo and Perreault all wrapped in one!
That’s might hope, Steven. It happened once before. Hoping for the same for Leason as well.
“Axel said he sees more opportunity in Winnipeg than in Washington.”
Can’t disagree. And the other Caps prospects know it too.