Winnipeg Jets prospect J.C. Lipon has been called up from the Manitoba Moose of the AHL and will make his NHL debut Monday night against the Colorado Avalanche.
Lipon was drafted in the third round, 91st overall in the 2013 NHL Draft. He’s currently the third-highest scorer on the Moose with 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in 30 games.
He and Patrice Cormier were needed as Adam Lowry and Drew Stafford were placed on injured reserve retro-active to Jan. 14 with upper-body injuries.
Lipon is something of a late bloomer.
Passed over in two NHL drafts, the Regina, Sask. native played his way on to the 2013 Canadian World Junior team. He finished the 2012-13 season with 89 points in 61 games for the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL before getting drafted by Winnipeg.
He’s spent the past two seasons in the AHL and is now getting his first chance with the Jets.
“You’re obviously a little nervous but it’s a good nervous,” said Lipon. “[I’m] just really excited.”
The 22-year-old is expected to play on Winnipeg’s fourth line with Andrew Copp and Anthony Peluso. Lipon was asked about how he plans to play during his first NHL game.
“Just finish checks and whenever I’m out there, just be a responsible player and create energy for the boys.”
Cormier, 25, was a second round pick of the New Jersey Devils, and has one goal and four assists in 51 career NHL games. He has 12 points in 34 games with the Moose this season.
