Winnipeg Jets Suffer Huge Injury Blow In Game 3

A double-dose of brutal news for the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday. They lost not only Game Three of their first-round matchup to the Vegas Golden Knights in heartbreaking fashion in double-overtime, but they've also lost top defenseman Josh Morrisey for the rest of the series. 

Rick Bowness just announced that Josh Morrissey is done for the series

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 23, 2023

"He's got a lower body and he's done for the series," Jets head coach Rick Bowness said. "Now, when we get into next week, I'll be able to give you a better answer (about how long he might be out). I just know he's done for the series." 

The star defenseman appeared to sustain the injury during a collision with Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud with under two minutes to go in the first period. 

Here’s the Josh Morrissey injury. It appears to be his right knee. #NHLJets #VGKvsWPG pic.twitter.com/HvDEwphz81

— Spinorama 🔄 Hockey (@spinohockey) April 22, 2023

Morrisey had a career year with Winnipeg this season, racking up 16 goals, and 60 assists for 76 points in 78 games. He was also relied on for a team-leading 24:14 time on ice time per game.

"He's a top five 'D' in this league right now," continued Bowness. "He plays all the important minutes and he's a guy that drives the offense. It's a big hole, but we played the rest of the game without him and scored four, so we're going to have to find a way to play the rest of the series without him because this series is far from over."

'A big hole' to fill is an understatement. A disturbing development for the Jets. 

Photo: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports