Winnipeg Jets fans will see a reshuffling of the defensive lineup as the team returns from the Olympic break. The Jets announced Tuesday that defenseman Josh Morrissey has been placed on injured reserve, a move retroactive to February 12th. To fill the roster spot, the team has recalled defenseman Kale Clague from the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose.
Morrissey’s injury occurred during international play, sustaining an upper-body injury in Canada’s first game against Czechia in Milan. He was unable to continue in the tournament. Jets head coach Scott Arniel confirmed Morrissey will miss Wednesday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks, stating the news on Monday. This absence represents a significant blow to Winnipeg’s defensive corps, as Morrissey has been a consistent presence this season.
The Jets are facing multiple injury concerns on the blue line and at forward. Defenseman Neal Pionk and forward Nino Niederreiter are both considered week-to-week, adding to the team’s challenges as they push to improve their standing in the Central Division. The exact nature of Morrissey’s injury remains undisclosed, with Arniel stating he will be evaluated by team doctors upon his return to Winnipeg.
Morrissey, a key component of the Jets’ defense, has appeared in all 56 games this season, registering 10 goals and 32 assists. His absence will be felt both on the ice and in the locker room. He previously missed the 4 Nations Face-Off final due to illness and suffered a knee injury that prematurely ended his playoff run last season, highlighting a recent pattern of injury setbacks for the veteran defenseman.
Clague Steps Up from Manitoba
Kale Clague, 27, will provide depth on the Jets’ blue line. While he hasn’t yet appeared in a game for Winnipeg this season, he has been a productive player for the Manitoba Moose, recording eight goals and 13 assists in 44 AHL games. The Regina native will look to make an immediate impact and prove his worth at the NHL level.
Additional Injury Updates
The Jets are also monitoring the progress of Neal Pionk, who hasn’t played since January 13th due to a lower-body injury sustained after blocking a shot. Prior to his injury, Pionk had contributed two goals and six assists in 40 games. Nino Niederreiter is dealing with an undisclosed injury sustained while representing Switzerland at the Winter Olympics.
However, there’s positive news for Winnipeg as star forward Kyle Connor has returned to practice after helping Team USA win a gold medal at the Olympics. Connor is expected to be in the lineup Wednesday against the Canucks. He currently ranks second on the team in goals (25), assists (39) and total points (64).
Winnipeg enters play with a record of 22-26-8, placing them seventh in the Central Division with 52 points. They will continue their road trip after facing Vancouver, with upcoming games against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday and the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.
The Jets face a challenging stretch as they navigate these injuries and look to climb the Central Division standings. The team will rely on contributions from players like Clague and the continued strong play of Connor to remain competitive.
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