Breadcrumb Trail Links
Published Dec 14, 2025 • 3 minute read
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Jets winger Nino Niederreiter gets pushed into Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren by Connor McMichael during the third period in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 26. Niederreiter reached the 1,000 games played milestone on Saturday night as the Jets beat the Capitals 5-1 before an announced crowd of 14,096. Photo by Nick Wass /AP PhotoArticle content
Hockey has given Jets winger Nino Niederreiter plenty of memories and experiences to cherish, it just so happens his most recent experience was shared with thousands of others.
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Niederreiter reached the 1,000 games played milestone on Saturday night as the Jets beat the Washington Capitals 5-1 before an announced crowd of 14,096.
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“It was amazing,” he said following the win. “It was something I will never forget. As a little boy, you dream about moments like this, and top it off as a win like that. It was amazing.”
Jets defender Josh Morrissey says one thousand games is a big number in the lifecycle of a hockey player.
“I am happy for him and his family,” Morrissey said prior to the game. “Everyone involved in the game knows the hours and the work it takes and commitment and sacrifice. It’s the best league in the world. It’s tough to get here and even tougher to stay. To be able to get here and excel for 1,000 is a special milestone for anybody.”
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“Being his teammate for a few years now, it’s awesome to see him accomplish this, and we’re really excited for him,” defenceman Neal Pionk added.
Teammates happy from him
Prior to joining the Jets during the 2022-23 season, the Chur, Switz., native played for the New York Islanders, Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild. The Jets acquired Niederreiter from the Predators back in February of 2023. The cost was a second-round pick in the 2024 draft. The Predators went ahead and selected forward Teddy Siga in the second round (55th overall) of the 2024 draft from the U.S. National Development Team. Siga is currently in his second season with the Boston College Eagles.
The pre-game ceremony lasted nearly nine minutes. Various Swiss politicians and sports stars offered their congratulations on the videoboard, including tennis player Roger Federer, Nashville Predators defenceman Roman Yosi and Swiss politician Martin Pfister.
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“When one of the presidents of Switzerland talks to you, it’s definitely very special,” Niederreiter said. “And, obviously, with Roger Federer and all my family members, friends, it’s definitely very special.”
Pfister is the head of the federal department of defence, civil protection and sport.
The celebration to endurance, ability and longevity ended with a team picture in the corner near the Jets bench. Niederreiter’s fiancé, nephew, mom and dad were on the ice during the ceremony.
“They’re the reason why I’m here,” Niederreiter said about his family. “The support they gave me right in the beginning, (as we come) from a working-class family. It’s tough to play hockey in Switzerland. It’s an expensive sport. They sacrificed a lot of their free time to make sure I could play hockey. It’s a big thanks to them.”
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The league gifted Niederreiter a tiffany crystal, presented by Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. The organization gave the 33-year-old a silver stick and a commemorative picture to mark the milestone.
Consistency is key
“Obviously, 1,000 games in this league is tough to do,” Morrissey said. ““It shows a level of consistency, commitment, and work ethic. It’s pretty impressive. He’s not a very old guy, even in this league (which is a young man’s league). What he’s done and the level of consistency he’s brought to get there is special.”
Above and beyond the personal milestone was the importance of a victory against a team that was hot as a firecracker coming in with points in nine straight games. The win also snapped a three-game losing skid for the locals.
With the win, the Jets climbed back to the 500 mark at 15-15-1 with the Ottawa Senators in town on Monday night. It’s been nearly a month since the team won back-to-back games, those victories coming at the expense of the Flames and Blue Jackets.
“We need to play for 60 minutes, and for more than one game,” Niederreiter said.
Following the Ottawa game, the Jets will play three road games —St Louis, Colorado and Utah the opposition–before they receive a six-day holiday break.
“Monday is another big day for us,” Niederreiter said. “We have to make sure we play some great hockey until Christmas.”
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