Winnipeg Jets: Nik Antropov out 2 Weeks, Mike Santorelli Claimed off Waivers

The Winnipeg Jets stayed quiet on NHL trade deadline day, opting not to make a deal. They did, however, claim forward Mike Santorelli off waivers, according to TSN.ca. 

Picking up Santorelli may have something to do with the fact that Nik Antropov will be out for two weeks because of an injury sustained Tuesday against the New York Islanders (per TSN.ca). Antropov left in the third period and did not return due to what is now being called a lower-body injury. 

The Jets went on to lose their fourth consecutive game, 5-2, to the Islanders. 

Antropov, who is in the final year of a four-year, $16.25 million contract, has not been at his best this season. The 33-year-old has just five goals and 11 assists in 38 games and is winning a mere 42.2 percent of his draws. 

Unfortunately, Santorelli has had his fair share of struggles this season in Florida, registering just two goals and one assist in 24 games. However, perhaps a drastic change of scenery will help provide a boost for the 27-year-old Vancouver native.

Santorelli was selected in the sixth round, 178th overall, in the 2004 NHL entry draft by the Nashville Predators. He spent most of his time with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, playing just 32 games with the Predators before being traded to the Panthers in 2010. 

Santorelli does offer good speed and has shown he can contribute on offense, having recorded 20 goals and 21 assists in the 2010-11 season. At the very least, Santorelli should help Winnipeg win more faceoffs while playing on the third or fourth line. 

According to Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press, Santorelli should make his Jets debut Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens.