After missing the playoffs last year, the Winnipeg Jets are enjoying quite the turnaround under new head coach Rick Bowness. They are currently second in the Central Division with a 24-13-1 record and 49 points trailing just the Dallas Stars for the top spot.
Even with their success this season, the team has been dealt quite a few significant injuries, with the most recent one happening back on December 15th to Blake Wheeler. The injury occurred when the Jets forward blocked a shot from a teammate, and it was later announced he would miss at least eight weeks after undergoing groin surgery.
According to Murat Ates of The Athletic , Wheeler’s injury is worse than you could imagine:
”Blake Wheeler ruptured a testicle after being struck by a Josh Morrissey shot against Nashville on Dec. 15 and finished the game.”
On the season, Wheeler has nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points across 29 games. Even at 36 years old, the veteran winger is still producing at a respectable level.
After almost a month of recovering from the groin surgery, Wheeler is making his return tonight as the Jets host the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The game is slated for 8 PM EST in Winnipeg as the Jets look to win their fourth game in a row and second of the new year.
