Jets Coach Has Fans Excited After Recent Update

Published November 17, 2023 at 4:22 PM
BY GRAHAM MONTGOMERY

The Winnipeg Jets are comfortably a middle of the pack team if not a favorite for a top three spot in the Central division. The team is currently 3rd in the division with an 8-5-2 record and they may be getting help on the blueline to secure their spot.

Winnipeg Jets Defenseman Closer To Returning From Injury

Jets defenseman Ville Heinola suffered a broken ankle in his last game of the preseason. As a result, he's missed all of the regular season so far, although he is currently making a lot of progress in his recovery. Jets assistant coach Brad Lauer provided an update on his status today.

"I think just seeing him around is great. I'm not sure the timeline with his injury, where he's at right now. I know he's made some good progress. But like I say it's great to see him walking around without the crutches, without the chair and all that. So I'm hoping he's getting close."

Head coach Rick Bowness said he would be out at least eight weeks on October 9th. That would mean the 22-year-old defenseman is at least two weeks away from returning to the NHL. That being said, he is back with the team and off his crutches, so it will only be a matter of time before he straps the skates on again.

Heinola Could Provide Boost To Winnipeg Jets Blue Line

Head coach Rick Bowness has been cycling through options on the 3rd pair for the Jets as of late. Significant names including Nate Schmidt and Logan Stanley have been healthy scratches, indicating that Heinola could get a consistent roster spot immediately upon his return.

There's a pretty clear pathway to a regular role for Ville Heinola when healthy, if the org's willingly scratching Nate Schmidt for Logan Stanley at this stage.

Clearly they don't love what they are getting out of that spot.

Hurry back, kid.

Now Heinola was drafted 20th overall by the Jets in the 2019 draft. Since then, he's played in 35 NHL games, registering a goal and 10 assists.

As seen on Latest on Winnipeg Jets defenceman Ville Heinola from assistant coach Brad Lauer

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