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).
