The Winnipeg Jets will be missing a forward for the next week or so.
Nino Niederreiter is temporarily sidelined after receiving stitches to fix a cut on his leg caused by a skate.
Niederreiter had to leave Monday’s win against the Los Angeles Kings in the third period because a skate blade cut the back of his lower calf during a faceoff.
Jets head coach Rick Bowness informed reporters after Wednesday’s practice that Nino will likely be out for a week or possibly longer, due to a substantial cut at the back of his leg, which will take time to heal.
The gash is quite deep. It could have been much worse, but this is probably the best-case scenario.
The situation could have been much worse if Niederreiter wasn't wearing cut-resistant socks at the time.
Bowness believes that Niederreiter was likely saved by these socks. He thinks every player should wear them, along with wrist bands, due to the sharpness of skate blades in today's game.
Tyler Toffoli will fill in for Niederreiter in the lineup after missing the last game due to illness.
Bowness wants to keep the newly-formed second line unchanged after their successful scoring against the Kings, so Cole Perfetti will again play in the top-six with Kyle Connor and Sean Monahan after a strong performance.
Bowness stated that he won't remove Perfetti from that line as he has earned it. He indicated that they promised him more ice time in the top-six upon his return, and he made good use of it.
The Jets have the opportunity to secure a playoff spot by defeating the Calgary Flames on Thursday to conclude the homestand.
