Jets' Scheifele back at practice, could return to lineup Friday

The Winnipeg Jets welcomed a familiar face back to practice Monday, as top-line centre Mark Scheifele participated without any restrictions for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury Dec. 27.

Jets coach Paul Maurice said he's hopeful Scheifele can return to game action Friday when the Jets take on the St. Louis Blues, per Scott Billeck of NHL.com.

Scheifele has missed 15 games to date, but the Jets have rolled to a record of 10-2-3 in his absence, and currently sit in a tie for first place in the Central Division with the Nashville Predators, who own two games in hand.

No matter when Scheifele officially draws back in, it will be a huge boost for the Jets, as the 24-year-old recorded 38 points in 38 games before his injury.