Winnipeg Jets Get Huge Roster News

After a five-week absence due to a knee injury, the Winnipeg Jets are getting a top sniper back in the lineup. Head coach Rick Bowness has confirmed that Kyle Connor will be back in uniform Tuesday night. 

#NHLJets HC Rick Bowness confirms Kyle Connor has received medical clearance to return and will play tonight vs #Isles

— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) January 16, 2024

Connor will beat his expected 6-to-8-week injury timeline, shaving a few days off that. He was leading the Jets in scoring back on December 10th with 17 goals and 28 points in 26 games, when he was felled by a knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome.  

Jets coach Rick Bowness estimates that Kyle Connor will miss 6-8 weeks due to this knee-on-knee collision with Ryan Strome pic.twitter.com/fohHJkCwDm

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 12, 2023

#NHLJets LW Kyle Connor said he wasn’t interested in discussing the hit from #Ducks C Ryan Strome that caused the injury but said he appreciated that Strome reached out via text after the game.

— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) January 16, 2024

Addressing the media today, Connor didn't want to talk about the unfortunate incident or assign blame, but said he appreciated that Strome texted him after the game with some “nice words”.

Connor's return comes just in time, as the Jets have had to place current leading scorer Mark Scheifele on injured reserve, retroactive to January 12th.

The 27-year-old Connor returned to full practice on Monday for the first time, and now has been cleared to suit up as the Jets take on the New York Islanders.

Winnipeg didn't miss a beat without their star forward, going 12-2-2 in the 16 games Connor was forced to sit out. He notched his 5th 30-goal season last year, finishing with 80  points in 82 games. 

The Jets are currently tops in the Central Division with 60 points at 28-10-4. 

 Photo: Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports