Scott Arniel Provides Major Injury Update on Winnipeg Jets Top Defenseman

Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel recently gave injury updates on some of the team's key players and had some positive news as the team is nearing the end of the season. Defenseman Neal Pionk appears to be the nearest back.

While he has not joined in on full line rushes, he has been skating with the team frequently. Arniel said the 29-year-old is "really close," and it is now a matter of bringing his conditioning to game speed.

Gabriel Vilardi, who was sidelined since March 24 and put week-to-week, remains out. Arniel said he's "up and around," and they expect him to be on the ice soon.

The Jets' power play definitely missed him, lacking his body in front of the net and his physical ability there, something that will prove to be important with the playoffs now in view.

And winger Rasmus Kupari, 25, is still recovering from a concussion. He attempted a comeback briefly for one game, then backed away again, but has now been skating and rehabbing to return full-strength.

The Jets, who took the Blues out with a 3-1 win following a three-game trek, remain in a tight Central Division fight, just five points ahead of Dallas with four games to play, although the Stars have a game in hand.

Having any of these men back would be an enormous boost for them to capture the Presidents' Trophy.