Some tough news for the Manitoba Moose as they head into round two of the Calder Cup Playoffs against the juggernaut Grand Rapids Griffins, as defenceman Elias Salomonsson and forward Nikita Chibrikov are both done for the season.
Salomonsson suffered a late injury in Game 3 against the Milwaukee Admirals last Sunday and didn’t finish the game. He underwent shoulder surgery on Thursday, and Moose head coach Mark Morrison confirmed to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press that his recovery timeline is 5-6 months, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2026 AHL Playoffs.
Chibrikov didn’t play in round one for Manitoba, and now we know why. The Russian forward underwent core muscle surgery last week and is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. The injury dates back to the end of the Winnipeg Jets’ season.
Further updates thus afternoon from the #NHLJets:
Elias Salomonsson’s surgery was today on his shoulder. Expected recovery time of 5-6 months. 2026-27 regular season starts in exactly 5 months.
Nikita Chibrikov had core muscle surgery last week. 6-8 week recovery period.
Injuries have continued to follow the 23-year-old Chibrikov. Last season, his year ended in January due to a lower-body injury. He also signed a two-year extension prior to the 2025-26 campaign, which fully kicks in for the 2026-27 season.
Salomonsson split the season between Winnipeg and Manitoba. He made his NHL debut on Nov. 26, 2025, filling in for the injured Neal Pionk, and appeared in 32 games with the Jets, recording five points (1G, 4A). In 29 games with the Moose, he registered nine points (1G, 8A).
Chibrikov had a few opportunities with Winnipeg this season, appearing in five games in October, three in November, and three in April, but failed to record a point. His struggles carried over to the AHL, where he posted six goals and 10 assists for 16 points in 53 games.
With both players out, the Moose face an even tougher challenge against a Griffins squad that finished second in the AHL during the regular season. Game 1 of the best-of-five Central Division Semifinals is set for 2:00 p.m. CT on Saturday at Canada Life Centre.
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