Jets' Byfuglien will play vs. Canadiens after 15-game absence

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens after missing 15 games with a lower-body injury, he told reporters Wednesday.

The Jets went 10-4-1 without the blue-liner in the lineup. Byfuglien's return comes at a crucial time, as Josh Morrissey's status is up in the air after he left Tuesday's game following a blocked shot.

Byfuglien was on pace for a career year before going down with the injury, collecting 29 points in 32 games.