Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  The Jets held a practice in Winnipeg on Wednesday where it was revealed that Dustin Byfuglien would return to the lineup tonight for the first time after missing the last 15 games with a lower-body injury.  Morning skate gets underway at 10:30 am CT in Montreal so stay tuned to the pre-game report to find out if Josh Morrissey will be ready to play after leaving the Sharks game in the 2nd period and much more.  Puck drop is at 6:30 pm.

Note II:  The Moose concluded their six-game road trip in Grand Rapids last night in a most disappointing fashion as they gave up two goals in less than a minute with under two minutes to go in the 3rd period which cost them the win.  They ended up 1-3-1-1 on the road trip and will need to make some hay when they get back home.  Today the team returns home as they get set for six-straight games here in Winnipeg.

Jets news:

The Athletic Winnipeg:  What does Auston Matthews’ contract mean for Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor and Winnipeg’s window to contend?  (Paywall).  The ink wasn’t even dry on the contract in Toronto before folks here in the ‘Peg began to think of the ramifications to this organization.  Murat looks at this topic.

Winnipeg Sun:  Byfuglien raring to go against Habs, Morrissey questionable.  No question he is champing at the bit to get back in the saddle.  Which makes no sense because if you’re champing at the bit, the saddle is on your back but I digress and what I’m trying to say is Byfuglien is really, really excited to get back into the lineup.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Planes, trains and contract pains.  (Paywall).  Mike didn’t have the benefit of John Candy and Steve Martin but during his odyssey to get to Montreal he had some Jets thoughts.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets will have big D-man for game against Canadiens.  (Paywall).  After missing him for 15 games it will be interesting to see what kind of impact he has and how the 1st PP unit changes with him at the blueline.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Maurice not worried about Laine’s slump.  (Paywall).  The Jets bench boss is saying all the right things publicly but it was notable that he removed Laine late in the game on the Jets PP in favour of Little.

Sportsnet:  Little’s play puts GM in good spot at trade deadline.  Sean looks at a number of Jets topics in his weekly column including the play of the Jets 2nd line centre.

Jets Site:  The Journey to 1500.  Mitch with a long read on the Jets bench boss and his road to the 1500 NHL game of his coaching career.

Jets video:

Sun reporters Ken Wiebe and Scott Billeck discuss injuries to the Jets defence corps, the power play, dominance at home and their road trip.