Mason Appleton will return to action with the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday (10 p.m. ET; CBC, SN, CITY, NBCSCH+, SN NOW, ESPN+), after a 38-game absence.
The forward fractured his wrist Nov. 13 against the Seattle Kraken when his stick got stuck in the hole allowing referees to communicate with the official scorer between the two penalty boxes. He had to undergo an operation.
“Unlucky, scary,” Appleton said after his first contact practice Thursday. I’m glad they changed (the holes in the tape) in all arenas so it doesn’t happen again. But it was a freak accident, and I hope no one experiences that in the future. »
Appleton will play on the fourth line with Saku Maenalanen and of Kevin Stenlund against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. In 14 games this season, he has six points (one goal, five assists).
“We’ve definitely missed him and are thrilled to have him back,” coach Rick Bowness said. He hasn’t played in three months, so we’ll take it easy and watch his minutes carefully to help him get back into match rhythm. »