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Jets get big break, Enstrom waives NMC for expansion draft

Winnipeg Jets v Calgary Flames

CALGARY, AB - MARCH 16: Toby Enstrom #39 of the Winnipeg Jets in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 16, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

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The Winnipeg Jets can breathe a sigh of relief on Saturday, as defenseman Tobias Enstrom waived his no-move clause to help the team regarding the expansion draft, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

This means that Winnipeg won’t need to protect Enstrom, whose $5.75 million cap hit runs through 2017-18.

This doesn’t mean that the Vegas Golden Knights are likely to scoop the aging defenseman up, mind you. Even beyond his pricey deal, injuries are a huge concern for Enstrom. It would be surprising if Golden Knights GM George McPhee views him as a player to target.

Instead, this move allows the Jets to protect the players they want in a more team-friendly way, likely choosing an option where they protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie.

As Arctic Ice Hockey discussed, Enstrom’s compliance likely makes it easier for Winnipeg to keep Tyler Myers and/or Mathieu Perreault.

One could probably equate Enstrom’s sacrifice to that of Marc-Andre Fleury, though the demand for the once-prolific offensive defenseman will fall well short of what we’d see for “The Flower.”

Either way, it’s a nice gesture from a blueliner who’s been with the franchise since the Atlanta Thrashers days.