Jets' Kyle Connor returns vs. Islanders
The Winnipeg Jets had sniper Kyle Connor back in their lineup to take on the New York Islanders on Tuesday.
Connor missed Winnipeg's last 16 games after taking a knee-on-knee hit from Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome on Dec. 10. The star was initially expected to miss six-to-eight weeks, so his return comes slightly ahead of schedule.
The Jets went 12-2-2 without Connor, a remarkable run that featured an eight-game win streak and 14-game point streak, both of which set new franchise records. Nikolaj Ehlers paced Winnipeg with 17 points over those 16 Connor-less contests, while Gabe Vilardi led the way with nine goals.
Connor, 27, was also a full participant in Monday's practice.
In a corresponding move, the Jets placed forward Mark Scheifele on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 12. He's been out since sustaining a lower-body injury against the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 11 but is eligible to return Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.
Despite Connor's absence, he still leads the Jets with 17 goals - including five game-winners - in 26 contests and ranks fifth with 28 points. He's paced the team in goals in three of the last four seasons.
Winnipeg currently sits on top of the Central Division with a 28-10-4 record and tops the NHL in points percentage (.714).