Promising Jets Prospect Emerges from Challenges, Makes Comeback to the Jets

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Tom Banks
January 19, 2024 (4:59 PM)

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Ville Heinola skates for the Winnipeg Jets.

Photo credit: Sporting News

The Winnipeg Jets have been no stranger to unlucky prospects, but there's perhaps no one that fits the bill more than defenseman Ville Heinola.

A first-round pick back in 2019, Heinola has suffered some tough injuries over the years, but perhaps none more than the one in 2023.

According to Head Coach Rick Bowness, the 22-year old was set to make the roster this season and take a regular position in their lineup, but in devastating fashion, he suffered an injury in the final pre-season game.

When the injury occurred, Heinola headed back to his native Finland for recovery, and admitted it was a very dark time for him;

«It's been a couple of long months for me,» he said. «At the start it's hard when you're not able to do anything, can't work out, can't do much. So it's a pretty dark place. After you get moving, get back on the ice, you see the light in front of you. It gets easier.»

«I waited for that for two months,» he smiled. «When it finally happened I was just so excited and happy you appreciate it more that you can be on the ice. When you're injured it's pretty lonely.»

Now however, Heinola has made his season debut with the Manitoba Moose, tallying an assist in the 4-1 victory over the Laval Rockets, and while the defense has excelled in 2023-24, it appears the former first-round pick is finally ready to settle in at the NHL level.

Previously on Hockey OTB

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19 JANVIER \| 276 ANSWERS Promising Jets Prospect Emerges from Challenges, Makes Comeback to the Jets Will Heinola crack the Jets roster this season?
Yes	142	51.4 %
No	134	48.6 %
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