Toninato, 29-year-old from Minnesota has been a reliable fourth-line center for the Jets, playing in 99 games over the past four seasons since joining as a free agent in 2020-21. This season, he's appeared in 15 games, the most since his career-high 77 games in 2021-22, and has contributed with a goal and four assists, averaging 10:11 of ice time per game.
With the Jets roster maxed out at 23 players and David Gustafsson likely set to return from injury, they had to make a move. While recalling Ville Heinola is a possibility, it seems unlikely given Brenden Dillon's imminent return from suspension. The Jets didn't previously make a move to free up space for a seventh defenseman.
Willman has played in 13 games for the Devils this season, tallying two points (one goal, one assist). Originally from Barnstable, Massachusetts, he joined the New Jersey Devils as a free agent on October 7, 2023, after spending several seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers organization.
Should he clear waivers, Willman will be reassigned to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League, where he has recorded 16 points in 20 games.
