Niku, Comrie among 15 Jets hopefuls sent to Moose

Defenceman Sami Niku has been sent back to the Manitoba Moose. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)Slick, puck-moving defenceman Sami Niku and goalie Eric Comrie were among 15 players demoted by the Winnipeg Jets Friday morning.

Both had solid seasons with the Manitoba Moose last season and look to continue their development with the Jets' American Hockey League affiliate.

Niku suited up for five pre-season games with Winnipeg, scoring twice and setting up two other goals. He's NHL-ready in terms of his skating and offensive instincts but needs to improve on the defensive side.

Those assigned to the Moose who are exempt from waivers include netminder Mikhail Berdin, blue-liners Nelson…