Injury Update On Two Key Winnipeg Jets' Forwards

The Winnipeg Jets are coming off a huge 5-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Even more impressive, the Jets did it without forwards Nikolaj Ehlers and Cole Perfetti.

Ehlers, who had sustained an upper-body injury during a game against the Minnesota Wild, returned to practice in Las Vegas and appeared to be skating well and shooting with ease. Despite concerns about his ability to handle hits and potential setbacks, Ehlers expressed his determination to play in Game 1, but was ultimately a late scratch.

A wild Nikolaj Ehlers appeared! 👾 pic.twitter.com/auaBZgFOy9
— x - Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 17, 2023

Meanwhile, Perfetti, who had been out of the game since February 19 due to a non-contact injury, participated in practice wearing a non-contact jersey. However, his return to full-contact play has been delayed after an accidental bump during practice.

Coach Bowness remains optimistic about his eventual return, stating that Perfetti is only two weeks away from being fully recovered.

#NHLJets Cole Perfetti is out here with the main group in a red non-contact jersey. pic.twitter.com/YThuQe0BaW
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) April 17, 2023

Perfetti's timeline, however, suggests that he is likely to miss at least the first four games of the series and could potentially be unavailable for the entire first round. Despite this setback, he remains determined to gain playoff experience and contribute to the team's success.

While Ehlers looks to make an impact and help the team get revenge for their previous Western Conference Final elimination to the Golden Knights, Perfetti is eager to gain valuable playoff experience and contribute to the team's playoff run.

The Jets will need both players at their best as they work to advance in the playoffs. Photo Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports