The Daily: Winnipeg Jets Shorthanded Tonight vs. Red Wings

The Winnipeg Jets play the Detroit Red Wings tonight in the midst of the largest COVID-19 issue the Jets have faced all season. The Jets have nine people on the COVID-19 protocol list going into the 7:30 game at Little Caesars Arena.

Their sidelined people include goalie Eric Comrie, defensemen Brenden Dillon, Dylan Demelo, Nathan Beaulieu, Ville Heinola and Logan Stanley, plus forwards Paul Stastny, Kristian Reichel, Nik Ehlers and video coach Matt Prefontaine.

Stastny, Comrie and Dillon were added today. The Jets have brought up top prospect Cole Perfetti from the taxi squad today.

DeMelo has been quarantining in Denver where the Jets played last week. If symptom free today, he was expected to fly to Detroit and play. Jansen Harkins is another COVID lister expected to be activated for tonight’s game.

“They have a good combination of size and skill,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said about the Winnipeg Jets. “Obviously they have some guys out. Every team is different when they are at their best. I think their forward group is really good. Tey have done a great job revamping their D corps.”

TRANSACTIONS: The #NHLJets have announced the following transactions:

F – Paul Stastny has been placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols.

F – Cole Perfetti has been recalled from the taxi squad on an emergency basis.

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— Winnipeg Jets PR (@WpgJetsPR) January 13, 2022

Around the NHL

Detroit: The Red Wings need early draft picks more than they need a run at a playoff spot.

Denver: Avalanche grades for the OT loss to the Nashville Predators.

Boston:  Goalie Tuukka Rask’s return to the Bruins has created a buzz.

Florida: The Panthers’ New Year’s Resolution seems to have been to improve the power play.

New York: Islanders coach Barry Trotz began shuffling lines Wednesday with the hope of putting a fresh charge into the New York offense.

Philadelphia: The Flyers hope COVID reset helps Travis Konecny rediscover his scoring touch.

Raleigh: The Carolina Hurricanes have called up goalie Jack LaFontaine from the taxi squad. Last weekend, he was playing college hockey for Minnesota. That’s what happens when injuries and COVID-19 plays havoc with their goaltending situation.

Washington: Alex Ovechkin not skating today for “precautionary reasons.”