Winnipeg Jets Player News

Kupari has played in the last three games but has yet to get on the scoresheet while going minus-2 with two PIMS and two shots. Look for Michael Amadio to draw in for him and for Kupari to go back to the AHL if he's not going to play at the NHL level.

"If he's with us now, he'll play," is what head coach Todd McLellan told the media following Thursday's practice session. Kupari is expected to skate on a line with Adrian Kempe and Trevor Moore in his debut and comes up to the NHL after scoring two goals with seven assists (nine points) in his first eight AHL games of the 2021 season.

Gregor plated 7:42 TOI on Saturday but will be scratched for the third time in four games on Monday. Alexander True will replace him on the fourth line.

The Jets will get Tucker Poolman back on Thursday and dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards, so Vesalainen will sit after playing in four straight games.

Vesalainen made his season debut vs. the Senators on January 23rd but was not in the lineup for the last three games. On Monday, he is expected to replace David Gustafsson in the Jets lineup and skate on the fourth line.

Vesalainen sat as a healthy scratch in the first three games of the season but will draw into the lineup on Thursday. Head coach Paul Maurice did not disclose who Vesalainen will replace but he comes in with one assist in five career NHL games.

The Sharks are looking for more production out of their bottom-6, so they will shake up all four lines, which includes Dylan Gambrell replacing Gregor in the lineup.

Niederreiter was late to arrive at practice on Thursday and stayed on with the scratches at Friday's morning skate, suggesting that he will be scratched tonight. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour wouldn't commit to making him a scratch but all signs are pointing towards that being a reality.

Fleury has shuffled in and out of the Hurricanes lineup this season but has been a healthy scratch for the last five games. He will replace Trevor van Riemsdyk on the third pair with Jake Gardiner. Fleury has two goals and two assists (four points) in 19 games this season.

Gregor was a healthy scratch vs. the Rangers but will replace Dylan Gambrell Saturday vs. the Canucks. Gregor has just one goal on 17 shots (5.9 SH%) and a minus-5 rating in 17 games this season.

Lowry missed the last two games after being suspended for a hit in the Heritage Classic but will play Saturday in Vegas. Lowry is still searching for his first point after being held scoreless in his first 12 games of the season.

Fleury was the seventh defenseman in their last game but Brian Gibbons was recalled from Charlotte (AHL) and will suit up as a 12th forward on Saturday. Fleury’s usage will likely be limited now that Trevor van Riemsdyk is healthy.