Game 63: Jets vs Blackhawks pre-game report

The last full day before tomorrow’s trade deadline in the NHL could be pretty, pretty interesting for the Jets. The team reassigned Kristian Vesalainen to the Moose on Saturday morning which gives them a little cap flexibility for a recall. There is a very real possibility the team chooses to sit out Andrew Copp (as trade conversations intensify) and maybe even Paul Stastny as “asset management”.

The Moose play this afternoon in Des Moines Iowa so any recalls are just a hop, skip and a jump from Chicago.

In addition to the above questions there is also the matter of which goalie gets the start. Do you sit Connor Hellebuyck so he can be well rested for the game against Vegas? Do you start Eric Comrie who has won four straight games, looked very solid in his starts and would allow the Jets number one goalie to get a well deserved night off?

Recall news:

First shoe may have already dropped as the Jets announced that they have recalled Jeff Malott from the Moose. Malott is an undrafted forward signed out of college who earned himself an NHL deal last summer after a strong first season as a pro. He leads Manitoba in scoring with 18 goals in 46 games this season. This is his first ever NHL recall.

Morning skate:

According to Mitchell Clinton of JetsTV forward Jeff Malott is on the ice at the United Center for morning skate. He also adds that Connor Hellebuyck is going through his starting routine. However worth noting as per Jeff Hamilton of the Winnipeg Free Press both Andrew Copp and Paul Stastny are hitting the ice for morning skate.

Mitchell adds that Adam Lowry isn’t skating this morning and he provides the lines below.

Health update:

As per interim coach Dave Lowry his son Adam won’t play tonight due to being in covid protocol.

NHL Debut:

As a result of the Lowry news there was confirmation that Jeff Malott will make his NHL debut. He will be the sixth player (either a prospect or one developed by organization) to make their NHL debut for the Jets this season.

Lineup news:

Interim head coach Dave Lowry confirmed that both Copp and Stastny will be in the lineup tonight.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Stastny-Scheifele-Wheeler
Connor-Dubois-Ehlers
Harkins-Copp-Svechnikov
Malott-Toninato-Brooks

Morrissey-DeMelo
Dillon-Pionk
Stanley-Schmidt

Hellebuyck
Comrie

Player media availability:

Coach media availability:

Topics:

1) Sending Kristian Vesalainen to the Moose.
2) On Vesalainen needing to be down there for AHL playoff eligibility.
3) Gaining him confidence at the AHL level.
4) Status of Adam Lowry.
5) Jeff Malott making his NHL debut.
6) Will Copp and Stastny be in the lineup tnt?
7) What stands out about the Hawks?

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 6:00 pm CST.  Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action which includes post-game interviews from Jets players as well as from interim head coach Dave Lowry.

You can also join us afterwards for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show. (be sure to smash that like/subscribe button).