Nino Niederreiter Returns to Jets Lineup Tuesday, One Point Shy of 500 for His Career

On Tuesday, the Winnipeg Jets will bring back veteran forward Nino Niederreiter after the 34-year-old was a healthy scratch for three of the team's first five games, playing in just two.

The Swiss forward is looking to make the most of his return as he tries to reclaim an everyday role. He will get a good opportunity, as he is slated for second-line minutes alongside Gabe Vilardi and Viggo Björck.

A fast start will be crucial for Niederreiter, who is a pending free agent. He has been a 35-plus-point player in recent years and would like to reach as high as 40 this season to earn a new deal with the Jets or another NHL club.

Tuesday's game also carries a third layer of importance. Niederreiter is just one point shy of 500 in his career, a major milestone that has likely been on his mind for some time, and he will hope to reach it against the Minnesota Wild.

He has a solid track record against Minnesota, recording eight goals and five assists for 13 points in 20 career games. That includes points in eight of his last 13 meetings with the Wild, totaling 10 points over that span.

It is also a crucial game for the Jets as a whole as Winnipeg hopes to rebound from a tough 5-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks last Friday, and Niederreiter hopes to play a major role in a winning effort.

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