Jets' Beaulieu out 4 weeks, Little in concussion protocol

The Winnipeg Jets will be without at least one of their key players for Thursday's season opener against the New York Rangers.

Defenseman Nathan Beaulieu will miss at least four weeks with an upper-body injury, according to NHL.com's Mitchell Clinton.

Forward Bryan Little could also miss the team's first game, as he's in concussion protocol, Clinton adds.

Little left Sunday's preseason contest against the Minnesota Wild after taking a high hit in the first period and did not return. The 31-year-old recorded 15 goals and 41 points in 82 contests for the Jets last season.

Winnipeg is already thin on the blue line entering the season after losing defensemen Jacob Trouba, Tyler Myers, and Ben Chiarot this summer. Dustin Byfuglien's future also remains unclear.

Beaulieu logged 16:51 of ice time per game and tallied five assists in 18 contests with the Jets in 2018-19.

The Jets claimed Swedish rearguard Carl Dahlstrom off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.