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Niku returns to Jets

Sami Niku's back with the Winnipeg Jets.

The 22-year-old defenceman from Finland was promoted Monday to the big club from the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League but is a healthy scratch in Edmonton as the Jets meet the Oilers in a New Year's Eve battle.

While Niku has been a solid contributor to Winnipeg's AHL affiiate, his recall was more out of necessity. The Jets have just six healthy blue-liners now that Dustin Byfuglien (lower body) is out of action for at least a month.

Byfuglien got bumped in the Jets corner Saturday by Minnesota Wild forward Luke Kunin, and his left leg buckled.