Winnipeg Jets forward undergoes surgery after blocking a shot with his groin
Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler underwent groin surgery on Friday. The estimated recovery time is at least a month.
Wheeler is having a strong season for Winnipeg putting up nine goals and 17 assists in 29 games. He blocked a Josh Morrissey shot in the win on Thursday over the Predators which caused him to leave the game in the 2nd period. He came back for the 3rd and finished the game, a 2-1 OT win.
Wheeler wasn't on the ice for morning skate in Vancouver. Head coach Rick Bowness revealed the extent of Wheeler's injury ahead of Saturday's game.
»Incredible he played the third period through that injury. He's one tough cookie,» said Bowness.
The Jets will also be without defenceman Nate Schmidt for the game, as well as the man called up to replace him: Ville Heinola. Bowness said Heinola, 21, has «been very sick» lately, but the hopes to have the Finnish rearguard in the lineup for Sunday's game against Seattle.
Schmidt was injured in the same game against the Predators. The 31 year old was rocked on a hit by Predators' forward Tanner Jeannot. He will be out four to six weeks, according to Bowness.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 34 ANSWERS Winnipeg Jets forward undergoes surgery after blocking a shot with his groin Which Winnipeg Jet player, impressed the most so far this season? | ||
| Josh Morrissey | 15 | 44.1 % |
| Blake Wheeler | 7 | 20.6 % |
| Kyle Connor | 4 | 11.8 % |
| Connor Hellebuyck | 8 | 23.5 % |
| List of polls | ||