The Winnipeg Jets’ No. 1 defenceman is nearing a return to the lineup.

It’s been an unfortunate couple of weeks for Josh Morrissey. After missing the 4 Nations Face-Off final last year due to illness, Morrissey was hoping to help Team Canada chase a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, he lasted just one period of Olympic action before being sidelined with an upper-body injury.

He’s missed the Jets’ first three games since returning from the break and is set to at least miss the first two contests of their season-long eight-game homestand, which begins Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Morrissey skated alone Monday prior to the club’s optional skate, and head coach Scott Arniel said he’s trending toward a return Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks.

Arniel also emphasized the importance of Morrissey’s presence in the lineup, while noting the need to ensure he’s fully ready for the final stretch of the season. He’ll join the team at practice Tuesday wearing a yellow non-contact jersey.

In the meantime, with Morrissey out, defenceman Logan Stanley has stepped into his usual spot alongside Dylan DeMelo.

Morrissey, 30, has 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points in 56 games this season. Over 718 career games, he has recorded 90 goals and 325 assists for 415 points.

The Calgary, Alberta native was selected 13th overall by the Jets in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.