Danny Zhilkin shares hilarious story of how he learned about his NHL call-up before debut vs. Oilers
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Daniel Lucente
Jan 8, 2026 (1:33 PM)
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Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Jets' Danny Zhilkin will make his NHL debut vs. the Oilers tonight, and he shared the hilarious story of finding out about his call-up during a haircut.
A big night is in store for Winnipeg Jets rookie Danny Zhilkin, as he is expected to make his NHL debut on Thursday against the rival Edmonton Oilers.
Zhilkin was brought up from the AHL's Manitoba Moose after three years of solid development in the juniors and will now have his chance at the high level.
The Jets made room in the lineup for Zhilkin as defenseman Haydn Fleury went to injured reserve, which was retroactive to Jan. 6.
Fleury injured himself on Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights and fell hard into the boards, injuring his nose and his back. He was taken off on a stretcher and rushed to the hospital.
Details of how Danny Zhilkin found out he was getting called up to the NHL
It was quite funny when Zhilkin told the story of how he received his call-up notification, as he was right in the middle of a haircut.
"I was actually sitting in a barber chair and I missed his first phone call because I was getting a haircut. And then I was getting up to pay and he called me again and yeah, I was just overwhelmed with the emotion and I just started crying while paying for my haircut."
- Danny Zhilkin
- Danny Zhilkin
The surprise and exhilaration experienced by the player at the time are exactly what make an NHL debut so special for someone so young.
Zhilkin, a Jets third-round pick in the 2022 draft, 102nd overall, has been working very hard to improve his game both offensively and defensively with the Moose.
He will get the first opportunity to display his skills at the professional level tonight when he faces superstar Connor McDavid.
Who the Oilers announced as their starting goalie
For the Oilers, their starting goalie will be Calvin Pickard, who will face the Jets, while forward Trent Frederic is listed to play and come in for the injured Adam Henrique; Andrew Mangiapane is to sit out once again as a healthy scratch.
Zhilkin will undoubtedly find himself in the center of attention tonight as he steps out onto the ice for the first time, representing a bright beginning in a new era in hockey for the Jets; whether he comes out on top remains to be seen.
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