The last time David Gustafsson played in a game for the Jets was back on December 22nd when Winnipeg pounded Boston prior to the Christmas break. He played 10:19 in that game. Nothing appeared amiss when the Jets returned to action after the break. Gustafsson took the morning skate in Chicago on the 27th but didn’t end up playing in the game against the Hawks as he was a late scratch.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Two days later after practice head coach Rick Bowness was asked for an update:
“We don’t expect him to play this weekend.”
Asked if there was a setback
“No. He skated today earlier and he said it’s feeling a little bit better but it’s not to the point where we’re comfortable letting him play.”
Four days later following practice the bench boss was asked if Gustafsson was hurt in the morning skate in Chicago on December 27th:
“No. He just kinda felt it from the game before (vs Boston on the 22nd) and he tried a couple of movements. He felt it. No need to play him. We’re not going to play an injured player and risk it going further.”
By January 9th the answer was a bit more revealing from Rick Bowness.
“I think Gus is another bit away yet. He’s not quite there yet.”
And now almost eight weeks later the Jets centre is ready to return to the regular roster as the team announces he is coming off IR. In 27 games this season for Winnipeg he has two goals and two assists.
But because he hasn’t played in so long the team will send him to the Moose for conditioning purposes.
