Winnipeg Jets Player News

With Connor Hellebuyck out for 4-6 weeks after undergoing a minor Arthroscopic knee procedure, the Jets recalled Milic from the Manitoba Moose (AHL) with the intention of him serving as Eric Comrie’s backup. That said, Comrie has struggled in three games since taking over the starting role (0-3-0), giving Milic the opportunity to earn some playing time with a strong performance in his NHL debut on Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 22-year-old Milic has a 2.14 GAA and .921 SV% in nine games (5-2-2) with Manitoba this season.

Salamonsson was drafted in the second-round, 55th overall, by the Jets in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old Swedish defenseman has yet to play an NHL game. He made his North American professional debut last season in the AHL, scoring 27 points (5G / 22A) in 53 games with the Manitoba Moose.

The Oilers have had a disappointing start to the season (10-9-5), but are coming off an impressive 6-3 win over the Florida Panthers, where Skinner saved 35 of 38 shots (.921 SV%). The 27-year-old Skinner has been inconsistent this season, posting a 3.00 GAA and .885 SV% in 17 games (8-6-3). The Oilers enter the action on Tuesday as -133 home favorites against a Dallas Stars team that has points in seven of their last eight (6-1-1) but will be without their leading scorer, Mikko Rantanen (suspended).

Pionk exited Winnipeg's most recent game in the first period due to a lower-body injury, but is considered day-to-day and could return to the lineup on their upcoming five-game road trip. The 30-year-old Pionk has been relied upon heavily this season, averaging 22:44 time-on-ice and recording five points (1G / 4A), 36 blocks, and 42 hits in 21 games.

Salamonsson was drafted in the second-round, 55th overall, by the Jets in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old Swedish defenseman has yet to play an NHL game. He made his North American professional debut last season in the AHL, scoring 27 points (5G / 22A) in 53 games with the Manitoba Moose.

Rosen had a strong showing with the Sabres during his call-up, picking up seven points (3G / 4A) in 10 games, but has been returned to the AHL to make room for Zach Benson, who returns to the lineup on Sunday. Rosen has 12 points (5G / 7A) in eight AHL games this season.

Tanner Pearson will be a healthy scratch on Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes, allowing Koepke to re-enter the lineup for the first time since November 7th. The 27-year-old Koepke is averaging 10:16 time-on-ice and has two assists in 14 games this season.

With Connor Hellebuyck out for 4-6 weeks after undergoing a minor Arthroscopic knee procedure, the Jets have recalled Milic from the Manitoba Moose (AHL). The 22-year-old Milic has yet to play an NHL game and has a 2.14 GAA and .921 SV% in nine games (5-2-2) with Manitoba this season. Milic likely won't see much playing time at the NHL level, as he is expected to back up Eric Comrie during Hellebuyck's absence.

The Jets inked their captain to a five-year extension on Wednesday, keeping him locked up until his age 37 season in 2030-31. Lowry was on the final year of a five-year contract with a $3.25 million AAV, and was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The 33-year-old captain made his season debut on November 4th after he underwent hip surgery in the off-season and has three points (1G/2A) in seven games this season.

Skinner and the Oilers struggled in a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, allowing four goals on 27 shots (.852 SV%) in the 5-1 defeat. That said, Skinner has been more consistent than Calvin Pickard this season and will return to the crease on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals. The 27-year-old Skinner boasts a 2.86 GAA and .889 SV% in 15 games this season (7-5-3). The Oilers enter Wednesday's contest as +107 road underdogs against a Capitals team that has scored two or fewer goals in their last two games (1-0-1).

Koepke has missed the last three games but has been practicing the past several days, indicating his return to the lineup should be imminent. The 27-year-old Koepke is averaging 10:16 time-on-ice and has two points (0G / 2A) in 14 games this season.

Barron has not played since November 1st due to an undisclosed injury, originally given a week-to-week timeline, but appears ready to return to the lineup after being activated from IR. Barron has played well offensively in a bottom-six role for the Jets this season, scoring six points (3G / 3A) in 12 games while averaging 12:33 time-on-ice.

Lambert, the 30th-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has yet to make his mark at the NHL level, scoring three points (1G / 2A) in 10 games combined over the last three seasons. He had 35 points (7G / 28A) in 61 games with the Manitoba Moose (AHL) last season.