Winnipeg Jets recall Julian Melchiori; Place Patrik Laine on IR

With Ben Chiarot dealing with an illness the Jets have recalled Julian Melchiori up to the big club.  With the Moose playing tonight it could mean Brian Strait draws back in if he is healthy and ready to play or Jake Baker could be an option for Manitoba.

The team also announced they have placed Patrik Laine on IR retroactive to January 7th.

Jets Release:

The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, in conjunction with its AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, announced today they have recalled defenceman Julian Melchiori from the Moose. Patrik Laine has been placed on retro-active injured reserve to Jan. 7 with a concussion.

Melchiori, 25, has played four games with Winnipeg this season and 31 games for the Manitoba Moose, recording six points (2G, 4A) and 16 penalty minutes. The Jets selected Melchiori in the third round, 87th overall at the 2010 NHL Draft. Last season Melchiori played in 11 games with the Jets and 62 games with the Moose registering seven points (3G, 4A).

The native of Richmond Hill, Ont., is in his sixth professional season with the organization, seeing action in 16 career NHL games and 266 AHL games where he has totaled 38 points (8G, 30A).