Jets F Blake Wheeler cleared from NHL’s COVID-19 protocol; Status for Thursday’s game remains uncertain

Coming off a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, the Winnipeg Jets are about to receive some reinforcements as captain @Blake Wheeler has been cleared from the National Hockey League’s COVID-19 protocol, as per the team’s official Twitter page.

After producing multiple positive tests, Wheeler, 35, entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol back on Oct. 18, forcing him to isolate for a minimum of 10 days. With Wednesday serving as the final day of that requirement, once doctors provided him with an official green light, the announcement came of his return.

While the Jets have yet to release any official confirmation, considering Wheeler attended the club’s practise at the Honda Center on Wednesday, that should serve as sufficient evidence that he’s indeed been cleared to return.

Though this is a great sign for Winnipeg, who’s currently riding a three-game winning streak, it remains unclear if Wheeler will be physically ready to participate in Thursday’s contest against the Los Angeles Kings. Most likely, coach Paul Maurice will provide an update on the veteran’s status during his Zoom call with the media once practice concludes.

Limited to just two games in 2021-22, the 6’5″ forward has averaged 20:36 minutes of ice time per game, posting one assist, three shots on goal, two hits, one block and one takeaway during that span.

The Jets and Kings are scheduled to face off against one another for the first time since 2019-20 on Thursday at 9:30 pm CT.

On an unrelated note, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman are reportedly expected to meet on Monday, according to Pierre LeBrun on TSN, to discuss the former Chicago Blackhawks executive’s potential involvement regarding the latest findings in the 2010 sexual assault case.