Bryan Little returns, Petan is placed on IR.

For the first time since February 18th, It looks like Bryan Little will be suiting up for a full three period hockey game. Little was injured for the Jets final 25 games of last season and he’s been sidelined ever since being injured midway through this years season opener. Little’s poor injury luck has been unfortunate and Jets fans have become accustomed to life without Little. Luckily for the Jets, number 18 will be back in action tonight against the Devils as the Jets are gradually gaining back some key contributors at the right time.

In a corresponding move, the Jets have placed Nic Petan on the IR, retroactive to November 27th. Petan’s injury timetable was characterized by coach Maurice as closer to a week and placing Petan on the IR buys time for the Jets before they need to assign a player to the Manitoba Moose.

Bryan Little has been one of the Jets most consistent forwards over the last few seasons. He’s consistently put up 50-60 points while being the Jets best face-off man while being of the teams most defensively responsible players. It’s been exciting to watch the Jets youngsters thrive at certain points when filling in for the teams injured veterans. Nevertheless, any young team still needs reliable veterans like Little in their lineup.

It’s especially important for the Jets to have a solid veteran down the middle. The Jets are currently last in the league in face-off percentage while holding a 44.4% win percentage in the face-off circle. Having last years lead face-off man back in the fold is exactly what the Jets need as they currently struggle mightily on draws. 

The Jets are in spitting distance of a playoff spot and the addition of Little could help them substantially. The Jets will likely monitor Little’s minutes as he makes his return and it’s unlikely Little will be matching up against the other teams top lines until he works off some rust and gains some confidence.

When Petan returns, the real question will be who will be sent down to the  Moose. One thing that seems likely is that it won’t be Nic Petan. A player that’s looked very impressing during his call-up while recording 7 points in 13 games and showing he can play at the NHL level.