Jets’ Pionk Sidelined Week-to-Week, NHL Status Report Reveals
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk is sidelined on a week-to-week basis due to an aggravated injury. Coach Scott Arniel announced Pionk’s placement on injured reserve, effective retroactively from Tuesday. This decision followed Pionk’s injury during Tuesday’s close victory against the New York Islanders.
NHL Status Report: Jets’ Defensemen Under Scrutiny
Coach Arniel revealed that Pionk fell during the game, exacerbating an ongoing injury. He stated, “It’s been kind of going on. And then last night he fell and kind of reaggravated it a little bit more.” In addition to Pionk, two other defensemen have been affected by injuries.
Current Injuries of Jets Defensemen
- Colin Miller: Suffered a lower body injury during a 4-3 win against the New Jersey Devils on January 11 and did not return for the second period.
- Haydn Fleury: Sustained a bruised back after crashing into the boards in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on January 6. Fleury was transported to the hospital but was alert and moving his extremities.
Recent Call-Ups from AHL
In response to the injuries, the Jets have recalled defensemen Elias Salomonsson and Isaak Phillips from the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League. These players may feature in the upcoming match against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena.
Upcoming Game Details
The Jets are set to play the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. The game will begin at 8 p.m. ET, with coverage available on FDSNWIX, FDSNNO, and TSN3.
Additional Player Updates
Forward Morgan Barron, recovering from an upper body injury, practiced in a regular jersey on Wednesday. Arniel stated that Barron has not yet been cleared to play but could be available for the game in St. Paul, Minnesota, pending his recovery after practice.
Coach Arniel remains optimistic about the team’s depth amid these injuries. He noted that adding new players can provide a much-needed boost as they face a grueling schedule of three games in four nights.
