The Winnipeg Jets have been a surprise this season as they have emerged as one of the best teams in the league and a Stanley Cup contender. On the season, they have accumulated a 32-19-1 record and 65 points as they sit in second place in the Central Division. The Jets have had some injuries this season and have been without one forward since November. After months of recovery, it seems he will finally be back in the lineup for tonight’s game as the Jets take on the Chicago Blackhawks at home.
Mason Appleton was at practice yesterday and shed his red non-contact uniform for his first regular skate since his injury on Nov. 13 against the Seattle Kraken.
“I was in that non-contact jersey for quite a while there,” said Appleton.
“Timing of the (bye week) kind of wasn’t ideal with it, but, you know, we had a good conversation right before the break, knowing that the hand would be good coming off the break.”
Appleton’s injury was a weird one as he rushed up the ice through the neutral zone, his stick got stuck in the hole the referees use to communicate with the timekeepers and ended up causing the injury, requiring surgery.
“Yeah. I mean, fluky, freaky, it’s all the above. Just glad they fixed (the holes in the glass) and changed it in all the rinks now, so that can’t happen again, which is nice to see,” said Appleton.
During the practice, Appleton skated on a line with Kevin Stenlund and Sam Gagner.
“He hasn’t played in three months, so we’re going to slowly work him into the lineup and watch his minutes very closely,” said head coach Rick Bowness.
“We’ve missed him, no question, and we’re happy to get him back. He’s another player that’s going to help us defend and kill penalties. Good on the wall and everything.”
Before the injury, Appleton played in 14 games scoring one goal and tallying six points. Having his big 6-foot-2 frame back in the lineup with be a positive as head coach Rick Bowness said it best he will be key in helping the Jets to defend and kill penalties.
