Niku has signed a contract with JYP Jyvaskyla of the Finnish Elite League, Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Niku played with JYP Jyvaskyla from 2014-17 before making the jump to North American hockey. He played 67 career NHL games with Winnipeg and Montreal, scoring two goals and 16 points in the process. The 25-year-old blueliner showed flashes of potential, including his 54-point campaign with AHL Manitoba in 2017-18, but he was never able to find consistency at the top level.

Niku cleared waivers and joined the taxi squad Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Niku has distributed six assists over 13 NHL appearances this season and three in his last four games. He landed on waivers Wednesday and went unclaimed. The 25-year-old hasn't yet played for AHL Laval this season.

The Canadiens placed Niku on waivers Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Niku will join AHL Laval if he goes unclaimed on waivers. The 25-year-old defenseman has recorded six assists in 13 games this season.

Niku recorded two assists in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old has been surprisingly productive since returning to action Tuesday, picking up three helpers in two games. On the season, Niku has managed six points (all assists) through 12 games while spotting in and out of Montreal's lineup.

Niku (not injury related) will suit up against the Lightning on Tuesday, per the NHL's media site.

EDGE Analysis

Niku will suit up for the first time since Nov. 29 after dealing with COVID-19 protocols and postponements this month. The 25-year-old blueliner has three assists through nine games in his first season with Montreal.

Niku (not injury related) was removed from the NHL's COVID-19 protocols Monday but isn't expected to play before Saturday's clash with the Bruins, Arpon Basu of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even once Niku is available to play, he is far from a lock for the lineup, especially once Chris Wideman (personal) rejoins the team. The 25-year-old Niku has played in just nine contests for the Habs this year in which he registered three assists, five hits and eight shots.

Niku entered the NHL's COVID-19 protocols Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Niku has been limited to just nine games for Montreal this season in which he recorded three assists, eight shots and five hits while averaging 14:36 of ice time. Even once cleared to rejoin the team, Niku is far from a lock for the lineup and will likely have to watch from the press box periodically.

Niku had an assist, one hit and one blocked shot in Saturday's 6-3 win over Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Niku continued to fill in for the injured Brett Kulak (lower body) for a third straight game and provided offense on Montreal's third goal. Holding the puck in the corner, the defenseman found Christian Dvorak, alone in front of the next, for his third assist of the season.

Niku had four shots on goal and one blocked shot over 14:25 of ice time in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

Niku filled in for the injured Brett Kulak (lower body), suiting up for the first time since Nov. 2. He has a pair of assists in nine games played.

Niku was a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

Niku's spot on the third pair was filled by Chris Wideman, who contributed a power-play assist in a 4-2 loss. Wideman's likely to remain in the lineup Tuesday when the Canadiens host the Red Wings at Bell Centre.