Winnipeg Jets receive encouraging injury update as key forward makes noticeable progress in practice
Photo credit: Illegal Curve Hockey
The Jets got some encouraging news today during the team's morning practice, as Morgan Barron has taken a step forward in his recovery and was on the fourth line.
The Winnipeg Jets are looking to turn this tough part of their schedule into something more positive as they continue to get healthier with each passing day.
Forward Adam Lowry, Cole Perfetti, and defenseman Dylan Samberg are some players who returned from injured reserve recently to immediately help out on both sides of the ice.
Who appears to be returning next from injury for the Jets
More assistance is on the horizon. Forwards Morgan Barron and Cole Koepke skated with regular jerseys last week, an indication that both are close to making their returns as well.
Koepke could easily fall into a bottom-six position once again, while Barron could return to play like he did earlier this season when he was red-hot.
This optimism increased further today at practice, when Barron was seen skating on the fourth line, which shows that he is recovering faster than he could have hoped, and could be in the lineup as soon as tomorrow vs. the Blue Jackets.
"Barron seems to have taken another step."
- Mitchell Clinton
- Mitchell Clinton
Why there are high hopes for Morgan Barron
Barron got off to an amazing start with three goals and two assists in his first four games, including one short-handed and one game-winning goal.
He struggled after that, however, to register only one assist while dealing with a nagging injury. Now that he is healthy, he is poised to return to form, seeing as he is just 26.
The journey to being a consistent bottom-six player has been a function of hard work on his part. A sixth-round pick by the New York Rangers in 2017, Barron dominated at Cornell University and turned pro back in 2020.
After just a single season with the Rangers, he was traded to Winnipeg in 2022, featured in a deal involving Andrew Copp. Barron has worked very hard to find a niche rather than being a pure goalscorer and relying on skill alone.
As key parts return to the Jets, having Barron back could definitely make a difference in stabilizing their lineup. As they look to turn their momentum around, having a healthy roster could not come at a better time, and it could start tomorrow night.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 17 | 97 ANSWERS Winnipeg Jets receive encouraging injury update as key forward makes noticeable progress in practice Will Morgan Barron's return help the Jets win games? | ||
| Yes | 76 | 78.4 % |
| No | 21 | 21.6 % |
| List of polls | ||